Newcastle United fans were stoic and focusing on summer after being battered 5-0 by Manchester City at the Etihad this afternoon. Raheem Sterling got two goals, while the others came from Aymeric Laporte, Rodri and Phil Foden. Two of the goals came after the 90th minute.
However, Newcastle United were not without chances, including a point blank miss from Chris Wood, who was later substituted for the returning Callum Wilson. He too had a good chance that he missed.
READ MORE: Jack Grealish praises Newcastle United after 5-0 thrashing
Kieran Trippier also returned to the pitch as a substitute. Like Wilson though, he looked a little rusty, getting skinned by Jack Grealish for the set up of the final goal. Newcastle fans were very forgiving of the team though, with many choosing to focus on the future rather than dwell. They conceded however that it was a reminder of how much improvement is needed.
@milessteven001 tweeted: "We should never be ok with losing, but we also shouldn’t get too down about #MCFC beating us as they’re miles ahead of us currently. Let’s just use this match as a gauge of how far we need to go to reach their standards. With decent signings, we might even get there quite soon."
@domdeedom wrote: "Well, I wasn’t expecting us to win, long exciting road ahead."
@superatthif said: "I kno citeh were going for it so left space for us but since Wilson and trippier came on we played better so hopefully another 3/4 good signings and we’ll be in top 8/6 easy nx year."
@zapaz66 added of City: "They have spent over a billion quid building that team."
Other fans were less forgiving. Failings in defence and up front were particularly criticised online.
@mjb993_ tweeted: "This REALLY puts into perspective how much we need a defensive overhaul this summer. We were shocking defensively today, so many unforced mistakes. Expected a tough game but not a 5-0 pasting. Lots of work to be done over summer Looked better w/ Tripps and Wilson but not enough."
@David_B_HU said: "Longstaff was actually on the pitch today? Don’t waste money to extend his contract. And get rid of Lascelles on the summer as well, please."
@mickyp1971 wrote: "The players gave up at the end, which is unacceptable. I hope Eddie gives them a rocket!"
@ISimpson73 added: "3 very good chances to make the scoreline look better. The Wood one you just can't make any excuse for."
Newcastle's next match is at home to Arsenal. That will be on May 16.
