Supporters of Newcastle United are more and more viewing Eddie Howe's side as an inconsistent companion. When everything clicks, they prove to be the ultimate life of the party, producing high-octane displays. However, at other times, once-dependable players like their midfield linchpin and others simply fail to appear.
Compounding this issue is a late-game game management suffused by a worrying element of panic. Ahead of their holiday fixture to Old Trafford, the numbers reveal a concerning picture: they have let slip 13 vital top-flight leverage from leading positions this season and are without a shutout in ten straight matches across all competitions. Earning victory at Old Trafford would be only their second domestic success on the travel this year.
On the flip side, a loss has only come on one occasion in their most recent 6 Premier League fixtures, and although sitting in a seemingly lowly eleventh place, they remain a only six points away from the coveted top four. Add in an looming two-part League Cup last-four clash against the reigning champions and a decent chance of moving on to the European Cup last 16, and it is easier to appreciate the manager's guarded optimism.
“Our issues aren't limited to difficulties,” stated the team's manager. “There are assets also. My glass is very much positive right now. I know outside observers might have a divergent opinion, but I feel we are improving.”
The puzzle remains: will this group recreate – or even eclipse – the achievements of last season's cup glory and European-qualifying standing? Managing a packed calendar hinders.
This tiredness could explain the failure to maintain a brilliant opening 45-minute performance versus their London rivals, eventually squandering a 2-0 advantage to tie the game. Likewise, it could be the culprit for a subdued performance in a painful defeat to arch-rivals the Black Cats, where the team seemed lethargic just days after a tough Champions League excursion.
Although coaching is clearly Howe's forte, the constant schedule of two games a week matches has drastically reduced crucial practice sessions. This hinders the team's stylistic evolution to operating with summer signing their number nine up front, rather than the departed their former star. While immensely skilled, Woltemade has not shown the equivalent electric breakaway pace or relentless defensive work rate.
Indeed, the side's previously effective high press has sporadically malfunctioned. Fitness issues to vital component Joelinton have exacerbated matters, while high-profile signings Anthony Elanga and the English midfielder have found it tough settling since their big-money transfers.
If a switch to a back three could theoretically benefit the team, a severe defensive injury crisis renders that unlikely. Key full-backs will be unavailable for the upcoming crucial matches, straining the squad's depth.
At their energetic peak, they look virtually unstoppable. The problem is sustaining that intensity for the entire match. The typical alternative approach of dropping deep into a passive counter-attacking formation has at times been counterproductive.
“The Chelsea game became chaotic at two-all,” said the manager. “However the intention was trying to win. We always try to win.”
What seems called for is a pragmatic solution – involving better ball retention, a midfield capable of controlling the tempo, and a sensible willingness to occasionally accept a draw. Yet, a determination to compete on all fronts is pushing limited player numbers to their limit.
It may seem heretical to some, but a different strategy in the domestic cups earlier could have eased the present fixture congestion. Amid critical European & league matches on the horizon, the necessity to strategically prioritize is becoming increasingly apparent.
The manager recognized the magnitude of the task ahead. “When you're at a club of this size, the pressures are enormous. Each game is critical. There is progress to be made in the league. We're in the Carabao Cup last four, we want to go through in the Champions League and do well in the FA Cup.
“The direction is in the correct path, but we have plenty of improvement to do to become the regularly successful team we aspire to be. Our capacity to put winning runs has eluded us this season.
“The task is to reach that standard we know we're able to reach. I believe that the assurance we can achieve it is growing. Yet nowadays we have to prove it. It ain't all bad right now, but the upcoming fixtures will decide a great deal.”
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