16 Things We Learned From Newcastle Vs. Sacramento Republic

4. Steven Taylor Has Never Been More Important To Newcastle

Steven Taylor looked composed, slotting straight back into the United defence for the first time in almost eight months. The Geordie picked up where he left off last season, when that horrible injury on New Year's Day against Burnley ended what had been a pretty fine run of form over the Christmas period. He had a calming influence on the Newcastle back line, who had been caused endless amounts of problems by Sacramento for much of the game. United looked a much more settled defensive unit with Taylor in it, which underlined the 29-year-old's importance to the team. We all know Willo simply isn't good enough while Jamaal Lascelles is unproven at the top level of the English game. Captain Fabricio Coloccini's form over the past two seasons indicates his Premier League career is over which means, whether you like it or not, at the time of writing Saylor is our leading centre-back. The likes of Chancel Mbemba, Joel Matip and Nicolas Nkoulou can't come through the door quick enough.