Tonali, tactics big name no shows

Sandro Tonali did not shine at the Stadium of Light

- By STUART JAMIESON

NOT for the first time this season, Newcastle United were left to rue what might have been, this time after a derby day defeat they will want to forget as quickly as possible.

United somehow managed to lose a game against a Sunderland side which barely had a shot on target, and yet it is difficult to argue with the result on the day.

Eddie Howe’s men were second-best in too many areas, and when they needed their class to rise to the surface, they were instead left wanting. No one could be surprised that Sunderland wanted to make it a physical battle, but Newcastle were unable to stamp their own authority on the game at any stage.

It leaves some big questions for Howe and his squad to answer as they head into tomorrow’s Carabao Cup quarterfinal and some testing Christmas games with Chelsea and Manchester United. Here are some of the key issues.

WHY WAS ELANGA HANDED HUGE CHANCE?

There were two big decisions made when the teamsheets were handed in, with Lewis Miley deservedly getting the nod ahead of Joelinton, while Anthony Elanga was preferred on the right-hand side of the forward line.

Clearly Howe had to rotate his squad after the Champions League game at Levekusen last week, but Elanga’s inclusion over Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes raised eyebrows.