Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has responded to jeers that greeted his decision to substitute Sandro Tonali against Chelsea.
The Magpies travelled to Stamford Bridge looking to end their run of four games without success in the Premier League.
Despite getting on the scoresheet for the first time in three matches, Newcastle ultimately succumbed to a 2-1 reverse at the hands of the Blues.
As the North East outfit chased the game, Tonali was one of three players who were hauled off by Howe on the 68-minute mark.
While Miguel Almiron and Harvey Barnes also made their way off the pitch, it was the withdrawal of the Italy international that caused frustration in the away section of Stamford Bridge.
What has Howe has to say?
Speaking in the aftermath of the game in West London, Howe stood by his decision to bring Tonali off at the start of the final quarter.
As quoted by Chronicle Live, Howe said: "I understand the supporters love Sandro and want to see him stay on the pitch. But every decision I make is, in my eyes, to the benefit of the team.
"And also with a view on the horizon and the games we have to come. I think Sandro can only do his bit, and influence the game so much that he becomes indispensable, in my opinion, to the team. I think there's more to come from him."
Newcastle face Chelsea once again in the EFL Cup fourth round on Wednesday evening, a game that will be followed by the Saturday lunchtime kickoff against Arsenal in the Premier League.
How much football has Tonali played since return?
Having served a ban for breaching betting regulations which lasted the best part of the year, there were always going to be question marks over how Tonali would fare upon his return.
Howe has provided the 24-year-old with five starts and three substitute outings in all competitions, while Tonali has also made four starts for Italy in the UEFA Nations League.
Unlike with his national team, Tonali has not completed 90 minutes for Newcastle this season. The 78-minute showing versus Manchester City on September 28 remains his longest appearance in a Newcastle shirt.
On a positive note, however, he has made five starts for club and country throughout October, Howe left with a decision over whether to make that six with the EFL Cup a priority for Newcastle when they do not have European football on their calendar.
