Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has defended his decision to replace Matt Ritchie with Christian Atsu in their 2-1 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspurs.

Rafa Benitez’s side put on a solid display but they were undone by two first-half goals from Jan Vertonghen and Del Alli.

The Magpies came close to equalizing in the second half but the likes of Diame, Rondon and Kenedy failed to convert their chances.

Benitez decided to bring on Christian Atsu to add some pace to his attack and change the game. However, the Ghanaian failed miserably and his performance frustrated the home fans.

Atsu looked well off the pace and his decision making seemed abysmal. The Newcastle fans were unhappy with Benitez’s decision to bring him on in place of Ritchie.

“It is important to try to change things when you are not winning."

“I thought we needed a little bit of good movement between the lines and maybe someone who could make the right passes to get us into one-v-one situations."

“I thought Atsu might give us some pace."

“It was not the right thing in the end because we didn't get a goal, but you have to be able to compete.

“If the reaction is to work harder, that is perfect."