Norwich 3-2 Newcastle - The 'Index 6'

There's simply no room for any optimism after today's game. So let's cut to the chase, here is my "Index 6" from this afternoons game: 1. Karl Darlow was hung out to dry Today saw a situation which isn't nice for any goalkeeper. It was this season's Jak Alnwick situation. Despite conceding 3 goals today, I wouldn't actually blame Darlow for any of the goals. Instead, the blame falls to those 4 defenders who have the sole responsibility of protecting their goalkeeper, and once again, they failed in their duty. Time and time again the defenders were embarrassed by Championship level players, suiting considering the path we are on for the 2016/17 season. 2. Sissoko can play Champions League football It's not what you think. By standards at NUFC, the French international is by no means good enough, however if a club comes in, book the first plane out of Tyneside. He is a benchmark for the levels of passion and desire in that team and if a player who constantly talks of a move elsewhere is trusted to want NUFC to succeed, then it can be no surprise there's issues at this club. 3. Jamaal Lascelles Now although he didn't play today, Lascelles has still found his way into the Index 6. This is because I would love to know if the readers believe he should have been dropped today. He is young, talented and for me, he was finding a rhythm and developing in the starting XI. Although there isn't time for experimentation, it has to be said that Lascelles is 10x the better option to Taylor, who of course played in that defensive line that were relegated just a few years ago. 4. Papiss Cisse Today when I saw the line up an hour before the game, I had serious reservations. Our no. 9 hadn't started a game for quite some time, and for me, we have better options in Perez and Mitrovic. My reservations were proved correct, with Cisse having just one decent effort, and of course missing an open goal from around 4 yards out. That is unacceptable and unforgivable in the situation we are in. Having said that, there are a number of players who have let us down, not only today but all season long. 5. Aleksandar Mitrovic This is the only positive that can be taken from today. If every NUFC player had the passion that our no. 45 has, I have no doubt we wouldn't be in the situation we are today. Yes, there is no doubt he hasn't hit the heights he or the fans expected, but he has scored 3 goals in his last 2, and with better defending today, it would have brought crucial points against our relegation rivals. For me, it would be a real shame to see Mitrovic leave if we are relegated, with perhaps a year to develop and flourish at a lower level being what he needs. 6. Nobody can save us You've got to give it to Rafa Benitez, a coach who has managed Liverpool, Chelsea, Napoli and Real Madrid. He took a huge risk taking on this role at NUFC, and no matter what, I will have a huge amount of respect for him, because no manager could pull this club from the mess, with the real issues lying much deeper in the club. He has tried his best and I imagine it won't be enough, but none the less, I wish him every success from the future. Apologies for the negative article, however I don't see any other option. Tweet me your thoughts at @kierancarr_