The Rafalution: February progress report for Newcastle United

Newcastle United were undefeated in the month of February, but the Magpies are still aiming to avoid relegation as they sit 15th in the table.

February was a kind month to Newcastle United as the Magpies only played three matches. It was a quiet month on Tyneside as Newcastle only played one match at St. James’ Park. The other two fixtures required the Magpies to travel to London and Bournemouth.

With the distractions of the transfer window, a failed takeover and the FA Cup out of the way, the Magpies’ main focus was to climb the Premier League table. The good news is that Newcastle United were undefeated in February. The bad news is that the Magpies’ table standing descended from 14th in January to 15th in February.

February Overview

Despite sitting 15th in the table, Newcastle did have a decent month as the club’s record in February was 1-2-0. With only three fixtures on the schedule last month, the Magpies had sufficient time to prepare for each match. A total of nine points were available and Newcastle managed to earn five points, which takes the tally to 29 points on the season. Below is a list of results from the February fixtures:

February 4: Crystal Palace 1-1 Newcastle United

February 11: Newcastle United 1-0 Manchester United

February 25: Bournemouth 2-2 Newcastle United

Rafalution Progress Report

Newcastle United were undefeated in February, but that does not necessarily mean much since the Magpies dropped four points against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth. The flaws were essentially copied and pasted from one match to the other. The Magpies were confident and aggressive in the first half, but then Benitez’s men lacked energy and collapsed in the second half.

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The lack of composure in the second half against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth raises concern. By dropping four crucial points, the Magpies missed out on the opportunity to go tenth in the table.

Against Manchester United, Newcastle were a different team that displayed an unwavering work ethic for 90 minutes. Not only did the Magpies look like a team capable of avoiding relegation against the Red Devils, they seemed destined for a mid-table spot.

The inconsistency in February’s performances should raise some flags for Rafa Benitez. Avoiding relegation has become more complicated as a result of Newcastle dropping points against bottom-half sides late in the season.

In addition, Islam Slimani remained inactive due to his thigh injury. The Algerian striker was perceived to be a solution to the club’s scoring woes. His absence was felt last month as the Magpies continued to waste scoring chances. However, a pleasant surprise from the January transfer window is Martin Dubravka.

The Slovakian keeper made his debut against Manchester United and claimed an impressive clean sheet against a dominant side. Survival will depend on scoring more goals up top, but Dubravka’s athleticism and intelligence between the posts is assuring on the defensive end.

Phase Two Status

As it stands, Newcastle United are on track to achieve the objective set forth by phase two of the Rafalution – avoid relegation. However, with the first match of the new month coming against Liverpool at Anfield, the Magpies could drop to 18th. March will present Newcastle with two favorable matches against Southampton and Huddersfield Town at St. James’ Park.

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Six points from those two matches are a necessity for survival. In addition to Liverpool, Newcastle must prepare for a visit to Wembley to take on Harry Kane’s Tottenham.