Is there anything in the theory some fans have suggested that Ritchie and Almiron are struggling to play together?
Football fans love a theory, and there is a rather unusual one doing the rounds among the Newcastle support base at the moment.
According to some observers, left-wing-back Matt Ritchie is refusing to pass to Miguel Almiron - and, although this is not necessarily something we believe to be the case, some supporters are quite firm in their view that it is.
Newcastle United insiders have dismissed talk that there is a problem between Miguel Almiron and Matt Ritchie.
Observers who watched the dire 2-0 defeat against Arsenal felt that the duo were not passing to each other in the clash at the Emirates Stadium.
Ritchie was hsubbed with 15 minutes to go, despite having the most touches for the Magpies (55) and making a crucial clearance off the line just before the break.
But those behind the scenes insist there is no issues between the pair.
After the game Rafa Benitez said: “I am proud of the players because they are trying very hard.
“Sometimes we are lucky enough or good enough to get the points, but today there was a big difference between the teams, although we were close enough to be a threat in the first half, and maybe to get something in the second half too.
“But we conceded the second goal. They had a couple of situations where they were dangerous, they had pace and ability.”