Baffling & Mesmerizing Newcastle Seek Remedy to Curb Chaos
Fans of Newcastle United are more and more viewing their manager's outfit as an unreliable ally. At their brilliant best, they prove to be the undisputed life of the party, delivering high-intensity exhibitions. However, in other matches, key figures like Sandro Tonali and his teammates utterly do not show up.
Adding to these problems is a second-half game management laced with a distinct streak of disorganization. Before their trip to Manchester United, the numbers tell a troubling story: they have dropped 13 precious top-flight points from leading positions this term and are without a clean sheet in 10 consecutive games in every tournament. Earning a win at Old Trafford would constitute only their second-ever domestic success on the travel this year.
A Story of Two Sides: Hope Among the Erraticism
On the flip side, defeat has only come on one occasion in their last six Premier League fixtures, and although occupying a seemingly lowly eleventh position, they are a only 6 marks away from the coveted top four. Factor in an looming two-part Carabao Cup semi-final against the reigning champions and a reasonable opportunity of moving on to the European Cup knockout phase, and it becomes easier to understand the gaffer's guarded hope.
“Our issues aren't limited to issues,” stated the team's boss. “We have positives as well. My glass is very much positive currently. I know everybody else could have a different take, but in my view we're improving.”
The question remains: will this group recreate – or perhaps eclipse – the achievements of the previous campaign's cup glory and European-qualifying finish? Balancing a congested fixture list complicates.
Weariness and Systemic Growing Pains
This heavy-leggedness might account for the failure to sustain a stellar first-half showing against their London rivals, ultimately letting slip a 2-0 advantage to tie the game. Similarly, it could be the culprit for a subdued performance in a painful loss to arch-rivals Sunderland, where the side looked sluggish just days after a demanding Champions League away day.
Although on-field instruction is undoubtedly the manager's forte, the relentless schedule of twice-weekly matches has drastically cut into essential practice sessions. This hinders the squad's tactical adjustment to playing with new striker their number nine leading the line, rather than the departed their former star. While hugely gifted, the German forward has not shown the equivalent blistering counter-attacking speed or relentless pressing.
Indeed, the side's once-formidable high press has sporadically malfunctioned. Injuries to vital engine Joelinton have not helped, while big-money signings Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey have struggled settling since their combined £90m+ moves.
System Questions and Injury Woes
While a move to a back three could theoretically assist the cause, a full-blown defensive injury list renders that problematic. First-choice full-backs will be missing for the upcoming key fixtures, straining the squad's resources.
When playing at their high-tempo best, they appear almost unstoppable. The problem is maintaining that intensity for the full match. The typical plan B of dropping deep into a deep-lying defensive formation has at times been self-destructive.
“The Chelsea game descended into disorganized at two-all,” said the coach. “But we were trying to win. We always try to secure the three points.”
The Path Ahead: Pragmatism
What seems called for is a middle ground – involving superior ball control, a engine room capable of dictating the pace, and a sensible readiness to sometimes accept a draw. However, a desire to compete on all fronts is pushing limited player resources to their limit.
This might sound heretical to some, but a different strategy in the domestic cups in the initial stages could have eased the present fixture congestion. With critical European & league games on the horizon, the need to carefully choose focus areas is growing increasingly clear.
Eddie Howe acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge remaining. “When you're at this club, the pressures are big. Each game is pivotal. We have work to do in the Premier League. We're in the Carabao Cup last four, we want to progress in the Europe and do well in the FA Cup.
“The direction is in the correct path, but we have lots of improvement to do to become the consistently successful side we aspire to be. The ability to string together winning runs has eluded us so far.
“The objective is to hit those levels we are aware we're capable of. The internal belief is that the assurance we can do that is returning. But nowadays we have to prove it. It ain't all doom and gloom currently, but the next few weeks will decide a lot.”