Newcastle Toons
Fansided

Newcastle United’s draw is frustrating yet expected

By Bryan Nelson

NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: Newcastle United's Goalkeeper Karl Darlow (26) dives in attempt to save Bristol City's opening goal during the Sky Bet Championship Match between Newcastle United and Bristol City at St.James' Park on February 25, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: Newcastle United's Goalkeeper Karl Darlow (26) dives in attempt to save Bristol City's opening goal during the Sky Bet Championship Match between Newcastle United and Bristol City at St.James' Park on February 25, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

I’ve been writing a lot about Newcastle United’s inconsistencies this season. They’ve been rampant, and it’s frustrating to the point where I want to say things on here that would have me dismissed.

But I don’t want to be dismissed, so allow me to gently and elegantly talk about my frustrations up to this point.

Are we really surprised that Newcastle United blew it against Bristol City? Sure we can walk away with a good win every now and then, but even then, most of our wins are scrappy. If we had gotten lucky enough to beat Bristol City, then it still would have been a poor performance.

For those who say points are points, you’re not wrong. I still love you. But hear me out. I like wins as much as the next guy, but the whole point of this season is to get promoted. The way our team play matters because a scrappy win in the Championship is going to transfer to a terribly embarrassing loss in the Premier League.

More from Newcastle Toons

Our players are just simply fantastic. I mean that. However, any thought that the club will do great next season with this squad is having a phantasm. The illusion that our club is prepared for the Premier League frustrates me every time I sit down to write. How can we feel confident in this? Is this really what we expect from our players?

I expect wins. And I expect big wins. I don’t expect a narrow win or an embarrassing draw. I want points that I can look back on and say that the opposing team didn’t stand a chance. This is not the Newcastle United I was excited about at the beginning of this season. And please don’t tell me it is for you.

Inconsistent play, lack of communication, and an uninspired midfield. Where is the creativity we saw from Jonjo Shelvey early on? Where is Mitrovic’s magic? Why does Paul Dummett seem to be taking after Mike Williamson?

Things need to change. Because whether or not we walk away from the Championship winners, I will still be critical every step of the way because I cannot praise mediocrity.