Newcastle manager explains why he made so many changes for West Brom clash

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez has explained why he made five changes to his side that drew with West Brom in a Premier League encounter on Tuesday.

Darlow was handed his first League start of the season, replacing Rob Elliot, who had been ever present in goal.

“It’s just that when you play two games in a few days, you need fresh legs,” said United manager Benitez about the decision.

“For everyone, they need to be sure that they will be part of the team, part of the season, and they need to know they can help the team. Now everybody knows that they can play.”

The Magpies managed to come back from 2 goals down and draw the match and in the process ended a frustrating run of four consecutive defeats.

After the clubs recent poor run of form, Benitez made drastic changes to his side and recalled the likes of Mikel Merrino, Ayoze Perez, Karl Darlow, Isaac Hayden and Chancel Mbemba to his starting XI.