Bewildering & Enchanting The Magpies Search for Solution to End Disorder
Followers of the Tyneside club are increasingly seeing their manager's side as an inconsistent companion. When everything clicks, they transform into the ultimate thrill-seekers, delivering high-intensity exhibitions. But, at other times, once-dependable figures like their midfield linchpin and his teammates utterly fail to appear.
Adding to these problems is a second-half approach laced with a distinct tendency of disorganization. Ahead of their Boxing Day to Old Trafford, the facts tell a concerning picture: the team has let slip 13 precious Premier League leverage from winning positions this campaign and are yet to keep a clean sheet in 10 consecutive matches in every tournament. Earning three points at Old Trafford would be only their second domestic triumph on the travel this year.
A Tale of Extremes: Hope Within the Inconsistency
On the flip side, a loss has only come once in their most recent 6 Premier League fixtures, and despite occupying a modest eleventh place, they remain a only 6 points off the highly-prized top four. Add in an impending two-legged Carabao Cup last-four clash against the reigning champions and a reasonable prospect of moving on to the European Cup knockout phase, and it becomes easier to see the manager's measured optimism.
“Our issues aren't limited to problems,” stated the team's manager. “There are strengths too. I am decidedly optimistic right now. I understand everybody else may hold a opposing take, but in my view we're improving.”
The challenge remains: will this collection of players match – or even exceed – the achievements of last season's Wembley triumph and fifth-place finish? Juggling a hectic schedule makes this difficult.
Fatigue and Strategic Growing Pains
This heavy-leggedness may account for the inability to sustain a superb opening 45-minute showing against Chelsea, ultimately surrendering a 2-0 advantage to draw the game. Likewise, it is possibly the explanation for a subdued performance in a painful defeat to local rivals the Black Cats, where the team appeared off the pace just days after a tough Champions League excursion.
Although coaching is undoubtedly Howe's forte, the relentless schedule of twice-weekly matches has drastically reduced valuable practice sessions. This slows the squad's tactical adaptation to playing with summer signing their number nine up front, instead of the now departed Alexander Isak. Although hugely talented, the German forward has not shown the same electric breakaway pace or ferocious pressing.
In fact, the team's signature pressing game has occasionally malfunctioned. Injuries to crucial component Joelinton have exacerbated matters, while big-money arrivals Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey have found it tough settling after their combined ÂŁ90m+ moves.
Shape Questions and Defensive Woes
If a move to a 3-5-2 could arguably benefit the cause, a severe defensive injury list makes that difficult. Key defenders will be unavailable for the next key matches, straining the team's depth.
At their ferocious best, they look almost unplayable. The catch is sustaining that level for the full 90 minutes. The go-to alternative approach of sitting back into a deep-lying counter-attacking shape has at times proven counterproductive.
“The Chelsea match descended into anarchic at two-all,” said the manager. “However the intention was going for the victory. Our mentality is to always try to win.”
The Road Ahead: Prioritization
What seems called for is a middle ground – one featuring superior ball retention, a engine room adept of dictating the pace, and a realistic willingness to sometimes accept a draw. Yet, a desire to compete on all competitions is testing finite squad resources to their breaking point.
This might sound unthinkable to some, but a more selective approach in the cup competitions earlier could have alleviated the present schedule pile-up. Amid vital European & Premier League matches on the agenda, the need to carefully choose focus areas is becoming ever more clear.
Eddie Howe acknowledged the size of the task remaining. “When you're at this club, the expectations are big. Each game is crucial. There is progress to be made in the Premier League. We're in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, we aim to go through in the Europe and do well in the FA Cup.
“The direction is in the correct path, but we have plenty of work to do to become the consistently successful team we want to be. The ability to put winning runs has escaped us so far.
“The challenge is to hit those heights we know we're able to reach. My feeling is that the self-belief we can do that is coming back. But now we have to prove it. It's not all doom and gloom right now, but the upcoming fixtures will determine much.”
