Eddie Howe has £218m Newcastle United solutions as Premier League form fluctuates
Newcastle United are struggling for consistency in the Premier League this season, with their away form a big concern.
Predictability is Newcastle United’s identity and it is up to the head coach to find new solutions, particularly away from home.
The Magpies have now won just two of their 11 Premier League away matches this term, squandering a big opportunity to make that three on Sunday afternoon after being held to a goalless draw by bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers.
United faced a Wolves side that were unbeaten in three league matches and recently boosted by their first win of the season over West Ham, yet still found themselves 15 points adrift from safety and 25 points behind their visitors before kick-off.
Predictable Newcastle United
With all that in mind, it seemed inconceivable that a Champions League-chasing team would a) not win, and b) need 84 minutes before registering a shot on target. But those who have followed Newcastle closely this campaign will likely not at all be surprised.
Newcastle’s Premier League season is being propped up by their home form. From the chaos of Leeds United to the bore win against Burnley, performances have fluctuated but Howe’s side are eight league games unbeaten at St James’ Park.
Take away that cliched 12th man and what are Newcastle? Bar wins over Everton and Burnley, Howe’s side have been largely dull, boring and as I said, predictable on the road. If there were ever a game to support that argument, then Wolves is it.
Backwards, sideways or passing in triangles, the Magpies barely created an opening, bar a few lumped balls into the box and a Kieran Trippier free-kick that hit the side-netting.
The team needs fresh impetus or the current trend, you fear, will continue. While that still might be enough to scrape European qualification considering how congested the table is, it’s hardly inspiring.
Eddie Howe has £218m solutions
While Howe will point to tweaks within his system, the untrained eye sees 4-3-3 week after week. The same set-up is fetching the same, inconsistent results. It is on Howe to find new solutions from within.
It’s clear Newcastle are crying out for a creative player, someone who can unlock doors, so to speak, but pointing to the need to strengthen in the transfer window would be ignoring the fact that around £218million plus was spent in the summer to improve the attack.
The goals have dried up for Nick Woltemade of late - it’s now seven games without one - but take the German out of the equation and only one goal has been scored between Yoane Wissa, Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey. The trio cost close to £150m.
The players, of course, have to take responsibility for their own performances, but as the manager, Howe is paid to get the best out of them. Finally doing that could give the team the lift it clearly needs away from St James’ Park.