Newcastle have arguably performed above expectations to sit seven points above the relegation zone at this point in the season, especially considering the injury issues they have incurred in recent weeks.

Several areas of the squad have been impacted through such developments, such as defence and out-wide, as the Everton game showed.

Jetro Willems and Paul Dummett have been ruled out for the rest of the season which meant Matt Ritchie started at left wing-back and Isaac Hayden at right wing-back, while Steve Bruce decided to rest Jonjo Shelvey.

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That meant the Longstaff brothers started in central midfield, but the pair both drew significant criticism from supporters, and it wasn't without reason.

Sean in particular failed to gain a foothold in the game either in attack or defence, which was disappointing since he was given a chance to shine and stake a regular place in the starting line-up, having started just 11 league games this term.

As per WhoScored, the 22-year-old did very little to influence his side on the ball, and it is unsurprising that the Magpies didn't manage a single shot on target until the two late goals, which were well converted by Florian Lejeune.

He didn't manage a single key pass throughout and made just one dribble, and when Joelinton is facing criticism for his display some attention should instead be paid to the kind of service he is being given.

Longstaff's rating of 6.2 underlines his below-par performance, and that highlights the lack of strength in depth that Newcastle are suffering with.

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As a result, Bruce's decision to bring in Nabil Bentaleb is looking like an effective signing, and if he can provide more quality in possession then the north-east outfit should carry a good attacking threat, even when Jonjo Shelvey is unavailable.

Targeting players like Hamza Choudhury and Franck Kessie suggests that midfield has been a key concern for Bruce, and that indicates that he has set his priorities straight.

In transfer news, Bruce is still on the lookout for improvements to his squad, with one expensive player targeted.