Ghana winger Christian Atsu provided an assist for Newcastle United in their 1-1 draw with Rochdale AFC in the third round of the English FA Cup at the Spotland Stadium on Saturday.
Atsu was deployed as a left wing-back in a five-back formation as manager Steve Bruce was desperate to end their defensive errors.
The move did help the Magpies as they had much control of the game before deservedly going ahead through Miguel Almiron in the 17th minute. Christian Atsu surged to the byline before cutting the ball back to the Paraguayan attacker who made no mistake by lashing a shot beyond goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Atsu caused such problems that Rochdale’s right-back, Tyler Magloire, was taken off after half an hour and their right winger, Kwadwo Baah, was switched to the left flank. Enter Luke Matheson, followed by Aaron Wilbraham.
Wilbraham turned the saviour for Rochdale when he stabbed home from close range in the 79th minute to earn a replay for his side.
Atsu played the entire duration while Baah was taken off at half time for Rochdale
