The positive statistics for Eddie Howe to build on despite Newcastle United’s Brentford disappointment

Newcastle United are 12 games into the Premier League season and remain without a win, sit bottom of the division and head to Arsenal next week.

The statistics, when looking at the bigger picture, don’t read too well.

However, even with Eddie Howe having to orchestrate things from his Hilton Quayside hotel, United did look a whole lot more like scoring. The problem was at the other end.

Here’s a little look at the smaller picture, and the stats from the day - and they do make much better reading than weeks gone by.

POSSESSION: Newcastle United 52% - Brentford 48%

United were on top in terms of possession, something to be expected at home against a newly promoted side, but not exactly the norm in the last few years.

SHOTS: Newcastle United 23 - Brentford 10

It’s hard not to argue United were dominant in terms of this metric. It’s been a rare occurrence in the last few years United have had more than 20 shots.

SHOTS ON TARGET: Newcastle United 9 - Brentford 4

Sadly, less than 50% of those were actually on target.

CORNERS: Newcastle United 8 - Brentford 2

United again dominated on the corner count, making it a full house for stats. Still, it mattered little, as the statistic that really makes all the difference remained three apiece.