Newcastle United: The Season So Far

Newcastle United have had an indifferent, and perhaps underwhelming first half of the season as they sit mid-table in the Premier League.

It was a summer to forget for the Geordies due to FFP and managerial rumours. They were forced to sell two up and coming players in local boy Elliot Anderson and winger Yankuba Minteh to avoid a points deduction in the Premier League. Alongside this, manager Eddie Howe was also being strongly linked to the England job after previous manager Gareth Southgate stepped down.

Despite this, the Magpies made a very strong start to the season, winning three of their opening four games and progressing to the next round of the EFL Cup. The win away at Molineux stadium against Wolves was particularly sweet, as Newcastle came from 1-0 down to win the game 2-1 through an equaliser from Fabian Schar and a wonder goal from Harvey Barnes.

Newcastle went into the match at Craven Cottage in late September with an opportunity to go temporarily top of the league with three points. However, they produced their worst performance of the season thus far and were comfortably second best in West London and were on the receiving end of a 3-1 defeat.

A positive point at home against champions Manchester City followed and progression to the fourth round of the EFL Cup after beating AFC Wimbledon 1-0. The Toon Army were still on track for a positive season in which they hoped would end with european qualification.

A draw away at Goodison Park and losses to Brighton and Chelsea gave Newcastle just one point from a possible nine in October. Uncharacteristic traits started to become noticeable throughout the team as they looked void of ideas and struggled to find any attacking threat. The magpies were beginning to become an unpredictable and inconsistent side.

Carrying on that trend, Newcastle won their next three matches, reaching the EFL Cup Quarter Final and defeating two sides within the top five of the Premier League in Arsenal and Nottingham Forest. Alexander Isak was starting to find the form that the fans are used too, scoring in each of his last four appearances in all competitions.

Defeats to West Ham and Brentford followed, as did conceding a 90th minute equaliser to draw 1-1 away at Selhurst Park. Wedged in the middle, Newcastle showcased how good they really can be, going head to head with the best team in Europe this season in Liverpool and grabbing themselves a 3-3 draw. Newcastle United fans have began to sense a mentality problem within the group, the idea that they perform to a high level against the Premier League’s big six, but struggle to reach the same level against the lesser sides in the division.

Approaching the busy Christmas schedule, the magpies will want to ensure a good run of form and qualification for the EFL Cup Semi-Finals. Due to the close nature of the league this season, and the fact only six points separates 4th placed Nottingham Forest and 13th placed Manchester United, all is still to play for with Newcastle currently sitting in 11th place with 23 points in 16 matches.

Newcastle host Brentford at St James’ Park on Wednesday night in a crucial tie in the EFL Cup. Pressure will begin to mount onto boss Eddie Howe if the magpies fail to progress to the final four of the competition.