Followers of Newcastle United are increasingly regarding the team's squad as an inconsistent companion. At their brilliant best, they prove to be the undisputed life of the party, unleashing high-intensity exhibitions. But, in other matches, key players like Sandro Tonali and his teammates utterly do not show up.
Exacerbating the frustration is a second-half game management suffused by a distinct streak of chaos. Before their trip to Manchester United, the facts reveal a sobering picture: they have squandered 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. Securing victory at Old Trafford would be only their second-ever domestic triumph on the travel this season.
In contrast, defeat has been tasted once in their most recent six Premier League encounters, and although occupying a seemingly lowly eleventh position, they remain a mere six points behind the coveted top four. Consider an impending two-legged League Cup last-four clash against Manchester City and a decent chance of progressing to the European Cup last 16, and it becomes easier to see the gaffer's measured optimism.
“Our issues aren't limited to problems,” remarked the team's manager. “There are strengths also. My glass is very much positive currently. I understand everybody else might have a opposing opinion, but I feel we're making progress.”
The question is: can this group match – or perhaps exceed – the achievements of the previous campaign's Wembley triumph and fifth-place standing? Balancing a hectic schedule complicates.
This heavy-leggedness could account for the inability to sustain a brilliant first-half showing versus Chelsea, eventually surrendering a two-goal advantage to tie the game. Likewise, it could be the reason for a poor display in a damaging loss to local rivals Sunderland, where the side appeared sluggish just days after a grueling European away day.
Although coaching is clearly Howe's strength, the relentless schedule of two games a week matches has drastically limited essential practice time. This impedes the team's stylistic adjustment to operating with summer signing their number nine up front, instead of the departed their former star. Although immensely talented, Woltemade does not possess the equivalent searing breakaway pace or ferocious defensive work rate.
In fact, the side's signature high press has at times broken down. Injuries to key cog Joelinton have been a factor, while big-money signings Anthony Elanga and the English midfielder have had difficulties settling since their substantial transfers.
While a change to a 3-5-2 might theoretically benefit the team, a worsening backline injury list renders that problematic. Important defenders will be absent for the upcoming crucial matches, further testing the squad's depth.
At their ferocious best, they look virtually unstoppable. The problem is sustaining that fervor for the full match. The typical plan B of dropping deep into a deep-lying defensive shape has at times been counterproductive.
“The Chelsea match became anarchic at two-all,” admitted the coach. “However we were trying to win. We always try to secure the three points.”
What seems required is a middle ground – with better possession retention, a midfield capable of slowing the pace, and a realistic willingness to occasionally settle for a point. However, a desire to challenge on all fronts is pushing limited squad numbers to their breaking point.
This might appear sacrilegious to some, but a more selective approach in the cup competitions earlier could have eased the current schedule congestion. With vital Champions League and Premier League games on the horizon, the imperative to carefully choose focus areas is becoming increasingly clear.
The manager acknowledged the scale of the journey ahead. “Being involved a club of this size, the demands are big. Every moment's pivotal. There is progress to be made in the league. We're in the Carabao Cup last four, we want to go through in the Champions League and perform in the FA Cup.
“The direction is in the right direction, but we have a great deal of improvement to do to transform into the consistently successful team we envision. Our capacity to string together winning runs has eluded us this season.
“The objective is to attain those levels we are aware we're capable of. The internal belief is that the assurance to do that is coming back. But nowadays we have to show it. It's not all bad currently, but the next few weeks will shape much.”
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