Trouble for Newcastle! A dysfunctional defence and the loss of key strikers

In Monday’s game against Manchester United, Newcastle put in a great performance and were looking for a win, but in the end it was only a point. A respectable result against a top six club, but not enough for the Magpies in the current situation. Plus they lost 2 key players in the game.

It has been clear for some time that the winter transfer window will be very important for Newcastle. Despite the change of coach and owner, the traditional English club is still in the relegation zone and is unable to dig out of it.

They have won only 1 out of 19 games and currently have 11 points. Newcastle is mainly brought down by poor defensive performance – they have conceded 42 goals this season, the most in the Premier League. During the calendar year 2021, it has already received as many as 80 league goals, a Premier League record.

Linked to poor defensive performance is the inability to finish games on a winning note. The Magpies have already lost 20 points this season in games in which they were leading but allowed their opponents to equalise or turn the game around – also the worst feat this season.

No wonder Newcastle want to strengthen their defence in January. Mention has been made, for example, of central defenders Kieran Trippier and Lucas Digne, and stoppers Sven Botman, Matthias Ginter and Joe Rodon.

However, after the draw with Manchester United, it looks like strengthening the attack will be equally important. Eddie Howe lost both Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin in that game. Wilson reportedly injured his calf muscle and will miss for months, while Saint-Maximin’s injury shouldn’t be that serious, but he will probably miss some time as well.

It’s a big loss for Newcastle as the duo of Wilson + Saint-Maximin have accounted for 10 of the 19 goals Newcastle have scored in the league this season. Of the other offensive players, only Joelinton and Jacob Murphy (both one goal) have made an impact. Willock, Almiron, Fraser and Gayle are at zero.

Moreover, none of them are pure forwards like Wilson is – except Gayle, who hasn’t gotten much space under Bruce and so far under Howe. It is therefore suggested that Newcastle will want to strengthen this position too in January.

According to speculation, the club are pursuing Flamengo’s Gabriel Barbosa, specifically a six-month loan deal with a £17m option. Lyon’s Moussa Dembélé is also said to be on the list. There are also mentions of veteran Edin Džeko or, on the other hand, young talent Dusan Vlahovic, but these are transfers that are more in the unrealistic category.

The fact remains, however, that Newcastle desperately need to strengthen. And even with the potential signings, Eddie Howe has a lot of work to do if the famous club is to stay in the Premier League.

Source: The Athletic