Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has defended his decision to replace Matt Ritchie with Christian Atsu in their 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham.
Ritchie was left angry after being replace by the Ghanaian with just 20 minutes left on the clock.
He was caught on camera expressing his anger at the substitution but manager Rafa Benitez has downplayed the drama.
“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."