There was no Jonjo Shelvey and no Callum Wilson on Newcastle's bench at Arsenal but, as one Newcastle United fan pointed out on Instagram, Steve Bruce was missing two more things: a eighth and ninth sub.
"Does Bruce know we can have nine subs?" Questioned Niall_slee.
The Emirates FA Cup rulebook for the 2020-21 season was updated ahead of third round proper ties with an opportunity to name a maximum of nine substitutes (of which five can be used) being a key change.
But United, perhaps with one eye on the midweek game against Sheffield United, decided not to name the full compliment of substitutes as Wilson and Shelvey were withdrawn as a "precaution". The club said they were "hopeful" both would be fit to face Sheffield United.
United's opportunity to bring players from the under-23s to join the first team group are limited given the COVID situation. While last year Bruce promoted a clutch of youngsters into the team at Rochdale, they were unable to do that this year as the first team are in their own bubble.
Teams are allowed to make a maximum of three substitutions during normal time, and have the opportunity to carry over unused subs and make a further change should the tie progress to extra time.
