Newcastle United's 11-day gap between games could be a telling factor to explain their disappointing performance in the 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Wednesday night, according to Micah Richards.
In an era when many managers are appealing for more time between games, the Magpies had to wait a week and a half to play again after their scintilating 4-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on April 13. Eddie Howe's side were unable to match those highs at Selhurst Park, rarely troubling Dean Henderson in the home goal.
It was a stark contrast to the game against Ange Postecoglou's Spurs, with the front three of Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes failing to create any notable chances. It was the same starting XI that began that game at St James' Park, but a lacklustre peformance gave Manchester United the advantage in the battle for sixth place in the Premier League.
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They twice came from behind to beat Sheffield United 4-2, although Newcastle still have to go to Old Trafford before the season ends, in what could be a decisive game. Speaking on Match of the Day, former Manchester City and England defender Richards felt the long wait between games could have had a part to play in United's display.
Host Gary Lineker asked whether it was factor, saying: “Poor night. They had a bit of a gap as well, you thought they would come back flying.”
To which Richards replied: “Yeah, poor for the sixth place obviously. But only two shots on target, if you take it 11 days back against Spurs when they won 4-0 the contrast was maybe, maybe the rest was too much.”
United head coach Howe admitted the gap hadn't helped, but refused to use it as an excuse to explain the performance.
"We were disappointed with most aspects of our play," Howe said. "We have to take responsibility for that. Maybe the gap between games didn't help us on reflection but still, we knew it was there and we had to perform better than we did. It was a missed opportunity."
Newcastle now don't have more than a week between their remaining fixtures, with Sheffield United next up at St James' Park on Saturday, April 28. That is followed by a game at Burnley seven days later, with Brighton on Tyneside on Saturday, May 11.
Then comes at game at Old Trafford on Wednesday, May 15 and then final-day match at Brentford on Sunday, May 19.
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