Set-pieces have been a shambles both offensively and defensively for Newcastle United in recent years and playing a back four with only one recognised centre-back in it certainly didnt help matters against Portland Timbers 2. Centre-backs are now the priority for the Magpies in the transfer window and, although Chancel Mbemba is set to arrive later this week with his medical potentially pencilled in for Thursday more need to follow as the Newcastle defence were breached four times in a 4-3 defeat to an MLS side's reserves. In picking Shane Ferguson and Lubo Satka in the heart of the defence, it was almost as if Steve McClaren was telling Mike Ashley that he needs defensive reinforcements and he needs them now! Let's hope the owner listens... The main bright spark for Newcastle on the night was the continued emergence of Rolando Aarons. The youngster bagged a brace including a magnificent overhead kick to drag United back into the game, but for some reason the visitors only decided to start playing after 75 minutes. The other bright spark from a black and white perspective was Georginio Wijnaldum taking just six minutes to score for his new side to put the tourists ahead, before the Magpies somehow found themselves 3-1 down by the 30th minute. Two of those goals came courtesy of woeful set-piece defending. A fourth goal in the second half didn't flatter the hosts, who spotted the weaknesses in the Toon's team and targeted them with great aplomb. Steve McClaren has a lot of thinking to do after his result and performances, here's everything we learned from the game..
