Fans of Newcastle United are more and more viewing Eddie Howe's outfit as an unreliable ally. When everything clicks, they transform into the very thrill-seekers, delivering high-octane performances. Yet, at other times, key figures like Sandro Tonali and others completely do not show up.
Adding to the frustration is a late-game strategy suffused by a worrying streak of panic. Before their trip to Old Trafford, the numbers paint a troubling story: they have dropped 13 precious Premier League points from leading positions this campaign and are without a shutout in 10 consecutive games in every tournament. Earning victory at their famous stadium would constitute only their second league triumph on the travel this year.
On the flip side, defeat has only come on one occasion in their previous six league fixtures, and despite occupying a seemingly lowly 11th place, they are a mere 6 marks away from the coveted Champions League places. Consider an impending two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City and a strong opportunity of progressing to the Champions League knockout phase, and it becomes simpler to understand the manager's cautious optimism.
“It's not only about issues,” remarked the club's manager. “You can see strengths also. The perspective here is firmly positive currently. I know others could have a divergent view, but I feel we're getting better.”
The question is: can this collection of players match – or even eclipse – the achievements of last season's Wembley triumph and fifth-place finish? Juggling a hectic schedule complicates.
This fatigue could be the reason behind the inability to sustain a superb first-half showing versus their London rivals, ultimately letting slip a two-goal lead to draw 2-2. Similarly, it is possibly the reason for a poor performance in a damaging defeat to local rivals Sunderland, where the side looked off the pace just days after a grueling European excursion.
Although coaching is undoubtedly the manager's specialty, the constant grind of twice-weekly matches has drastically limited valuable coaching time. This hinders the team's tactical adjustment to operating with new striker their number nine leading the line, instead of the departed Alexander Isak. While extremely talented, the German forward does not possess the same electric breakaway pace or ferocious defensive work rate.
Indeed, the team's once-formidable pressing game has occasionally malfunctioned. Injuries to vital component Joelinton have not helped, while expensive signings the Swedish winger and the English midfielder have had difficulties settling after their substantial transfers.
If a change to a back three might theoretically benefit the cause, a severe defensive injury list renders that unlikely. First-choice defenders will be absent for the next key fixtures, challenging the team's depth.
At their ferocious best, they appear virtually unstoppable. The issue is sustaining that level for the full 90 minutes. The often-seen alternative approach of dropping deep into a deep-lying counter-attacking shape has sometimes proven self-destructive.
“That game became chaotic at two-all,” conceded the coach. “But the intention was trying to win. Our mentality is to always try to secure the three points.”
What seems called for is a pragmatic solution – with better ball retention, a engine room capable of controlling the pace, and a sensible willingness to sometimes settle for a draw. Yet, a desire to compete on every fronts is testing finite player numbers to their breaking point.
It may sound unthinkable to some, but a different approach in the cup competitions earlier could have eased the present fixture congestion. With vital Champions League and Premier League matches on the horizon, the imperative to strategically choose focus areas is growing ever more apparent.
Eddie Howe recognized the scale of the task ahead. “When you're at a club of this size, the demands are immense. Each game is pivotal. We have work to do in the league. We're in the League Cup semi-finals, we aim to go through in the Europe and do well in the FA Cup.
“We're moving in the correct path, but we have plenty of work to do to transform into the consistently winning team we envision. The ability to put sequences of victories has escaped us this season.
“The objective is to attain that standard we know we're capable of. I believe that the confidence to do that is coming back. Yet nowadays we have to show it. It's not all bad in this moment, but the next few weeks will shape much.”
Maya Chen is a seasoned tech journalist and software developer with over a decade of experience in digital innovation and cybersecurity.
