Sky Sports pundit Glenn Murray felt Newcastle lacked the cutting edge as they lost away to an impressive Marseille in the Champions League. Murray praised Marseille’s organisation and ability to convert the chances they were given, saying Newcastle created openings but failed to finish them.
He pointed to a lack of end product in the final third — poor decision-making, hurried finishes and a failure to take chances when they mattered — as the decisive factor. While Newcastle showed quality in possession at times and probed for gaps, Murray said the visitors were punished for not being clinical, with Marseille far more ruthless in front of goal.
Murray suggested Newcastle must sharpen their finishing and be more composed under pressure if they are to compete at this level. He called on the team to improve their attacking movement and composure in the penalty area, and for the manager to find ways to turn good possession and chance creation into goals in future European matches.