16 Reasons Why Newcastle Have Gone From Mid-Table Mediocrity To Relegation Fodder

2. The Persistent Decision To Pick Ryan Taylor In Defensive-Midfield Despite His Inept Performances

It is harsh to criticise a man who has spent more than two seasons out with serious knee injuries - but Ryan Taylor has not returned to the Newcastle first-team as the same player he was before. He still offers leadership, but his footballing abilities have been found wanting in recent months. His once-praised set-pieces have been woeful and he is simply not able to keep up with the pace of the Premier League when he plays in defensive-midfield. This all begs the question - what on earth has the athletic and adventurous Mehdi Abeid done to John Carver to be unable to usurp Taylor in the Newcastle starting line-up? Taylor's inability to keep up with the pace of play in the Premier League has affected Newcastle badly, and it is one of the reasons they are struggling so desperately.