Bewildering and Bewitching Newcastle Search for Remedy to End Chaos
Followers of Newcastle United are increasingly viewing Eddie Howe's squad as a fickle companion. On their day, they can be the very life of the party, delivering breathtaking displays. But, on other occasions, once-dependable individuals like their midfield linchpin and his teammates completely do not show up.
Compounding these problems is a late-game approach laced with a pronounced streak of disorganization. Ahead of their Boxing Day to Old Trafford, the statistics paint a troubling tale: the team has squandered thirteen precious top-flight points from leading positions this term and are yet to keep a clean sheet in ten consecutive games in every tournament. Claiming three points at their famous stadium would represent only their second league success on the travel this season.
A Tale of Extremes: Optimism Within the Erraticism
In contrast, defeat has only come on one occasion in their previous six Premier League encounters, and despite occupying a modest eleventh spot, they remain a mere 6 marks off the highly-prized top four. Consider an looming two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final against the reigning champions and a decent opportunity of advancing to the Champions League knockout phase, and it is simpler to understand the manager's measured positivity.
“Our issues aren't limited to difficulties,” stated the club's boss. “We have strengths also. The perspective here is decidedly positive right now. I realize others could have a divergent take, but in my view we're getting better.”
The challenge is: can this group match – or perhaps surpass – the successes of last season's Wembley triumph and European-qualifying standing? Juggling a hectic calendar makes this difficult.
Fatigue and Systemic Teething Problems
The resulting tiredness may account for the inability to uphold a stellar first-half performance against their London rivals, ultimately surrendering a 2-0 advantage to draw the game. Likewise, it is possibly the reason for a poor display in a damaging defeat to local rivals the Black Cats, where the side appeared sluggish just days after a tough European away day.
While coaching is clearly Howe's specialty, the relentless schedule of twice-weekly football has drastically limited essential coaching hours. This slows the team's tactical adaptation to operating with new striker their number nine up front, instead of the departed Alexander Isak. Although extremely gifted, the German forward does not possess the equivalent searing counter-attacking speed or relentless defensive work rate.
Indeed, the team's previously effective high press has sporadically failed. Injuries to vital cog the Brazilian midfielder have been a factor, while high-profile arrivals the Swedish winger and the English midfielder have had difficulties settling after their combined £90m+ moves.
Shape Dilemmas and Injury Crises
If a change to a 3-5-2 could arguably assist the cause, a worsening defensive absence list renders that unlikely. Key defenders will be unavailable for the next crucial matches, challenging the team's resources.
When playing at their energetic best, they look almost unplayable. The catch is maintaining that fervor for the full 90 minutes. The often-seen plan B of dropping deep into a deep-lying defensive shape has sometimes been counterproductive.
“The Chelsea game became disorganized at 2-2,” conceded the manager. “But the intention was going for the victory. We always try to win.”
The Path Ahead: Practicality
What appears necessary is a middle ground – with superior ball control, a engine room capable of dictating the tempo, and a pragmatic willingness to sometimes accept a draw. However, a ambition to challenge on every competitions is pushing thin squad numbers to their limit.
This might appear unthinkable to some, but a different approach in the cup competitions earlier could have eased the current schedule congestion. Amid critical European & Premier League matches on the horizon, the need to carefully choose focus areas is growing increasingly apparent.
Eddie Howe acknowledged the scale of the challenge ahead. “Being at this club, the demands are enormous. Every moment's crucial. There is progress to be made in the Premier League. We're in the League Cup semi-finals, we want to progress in the Europe and do well in the FA Cup.
“We're moving in the right direction, but we have a great deal of improvement to do to become the regularly winning team we aspire to be. Our capacity to string together sequences of victories has deserted us so far.
“The objective is to reach those levels we know we're capable of. My feeling is that the assurance we can do that is returning. But nowadays we have to demonstrate it. It's not all doom and gloom currently, but the upcoming fixtures will shape much.”