With only 11 games played, it is perhaps a little too early to make too many bold statements on Newcastle United’s fate this season, and yet the next five days feels like a hugely important period for Eddie Howe’s men.
It’s difficult to assess United’s form ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash with Benfica, but the plain facts are that they have only won four matches in the first two months of the season. And that, in anyone’s book, is not enough.
Even those wins have not kickstarted the season. While the margin of victory over Union Saint Gilloise and Bradford City were comfortable, the truth is that the two Premier League successes cames against struggling Wolves and Nottingham Forest, and were hardly convincing.
On the flip side, Newcastle deserved something from that dramatic 3-2 defeat to Liverpool, and the result against Barcelona could have been very different had they taken their chances. On both occasions, they came up short.
They were second best against Arsenal, Bournemouth and Brighton, certainly in the first half, and never truly looked like breaking down Aston Villa and Leeds United.
There have been valid reasons for some elements of the sluggish start, of course. The lack of a recognised striker undoubtedly impacted the early stalemates, while injuries have meant we’ve barely seen summer signing Jacob Ramsey – while Yoane Wissa is yet to pull on a Newcastle shirt. That’s almost £100m worth of talent who have been unable to make an impression to date.
Simiiarly, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall’s absences have had a huge effect on Howe’s ability to rotate his side. The two full-backs are an important part of how United play, and while Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn have maintained the high standards, Newcastle have missed the England pair.
Howe has repeated how he feels his side probably deserve a few more points that they currently have on the board, and while he has a point, the time has come for his side to start delivering reguarly.
Ask yourself this . . . how often have Newcastle played really well this season? The second half vs Liverpool? Bradford and Union certainly, but against opposition they should beat comfortably. In patches against Forest and Brighton?
There have been flashes and big moments. Anthony Gordon’s goal against Barcelona was a stunning team effort, as was Nick Woltemade’s leveller at Brighton, with the superb finish overshadowing the build-up.
There has also been much to be encouraged by. The defence has been excellent, with Malick Thiaw emerging as an outstanding signing, and all four centre-backs – Fabian Schar, Sven Botman, Thiaw and Burn – contributing some top-class displays. Behind them, Nick Pope’s levels have risen even higher with the new competition from Aaron Ramsdale.
Woltemade has lit up the Premier League and the joy over what he has done so far is only outstripped by the excitement of what he will do once his team-mates really get to grips with the way he plays.
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