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Newcastle United will benefit from this international break

By Durim Halimi

CARDIFF, WALES - AUGUST 18: Rafael Benitez, Manager of Newcastle United looks on prior to the Premier League match between Cardiff City and Newcastle United at Cardiff City Stadium on August 18, 2018 in Cardiff, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
CARDIFF, WALES - AUGUST 18: Rafael Benitez, Manager of Newcastle United looks on prior to the Premier League match between Cardiff City and Newcastle United at Cardiff City Stadium on August 18, 2018 in Cardiff, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United are grateful for this international break as they will look to turn their poor form around in two weeks against Arsenal.

When the 2018-19 Premier League schedule was released for every club this summer, everyone noted how difficult it would be for Newcastle United to earn points early on. The Magpies are unfortunate as they play five elite opponents in their first eight matches.

Despite this rough start to the season, there is some great news for Rafa Benitez and his players. Firstly, this rough stretch is almost over. Secondly, Newcastle can now utilize a two-week break in play to take a breather and brush up on their weaknesses.

This international break for the UEFA Nations League comes at a perfect time for Newcastle after losing three of their first four matches of the season. The Magpies have plenty of work to do as they prepare for Arsenal and these are the two key areas where Newcastle must improve.

Passing in Midfield

Newcastle have been the worst passing team in the Premier League this season. A major reason for this is that the Magpies have parked the bus against Chelsea and Manchester City – two matches in which Newcastle only averaged 209 passes.

Moreover, the passing issues were put on display against an inferior opponent like Cardiff City as the Premier League newcomers limited Newcastle to 305 passes. The Magpies are not known for maintaining over 40 percent of the possession, and that is okay, but they must make the most of their time with the ball.

Last season, Newcastle excelled in inside-outside-inside passes and they must revert back to that tactic in upcoming matches. Rafa Benitez has quality players on the wing who can make a difference in matches with their good mix of pace and passing abilities. The team just needs to work on creating a passing rhythm.

Defensive Composure

Thus far in the season, Newcastle have conceded six goals in four matches – all to Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City. Despite having a negative goal differential so early in the season, it is pretty impressive knowing that Newcastle have only lost to top clubs by one goal margins.

However, this also raises my next point. Newcastle could have avoided some of those goals, but they lacked composure. The Magpies’ defensive unit needs to stop making ill-advised and ill-timed tackles around the penalty area. This has enabled opponents to set up dangerous scoring opportunities and goals in close proximity to Martin Dubravka.

Furthermore, the back-line must work on their passing and clearing. Newcastle have committed innumerable unforced errors to start this season and some of those errors have led to goals. It was easy to blame pre-season rust in the first two weeks of action, but at some point that sloppy play must come to an end if the club aims to earn positive results.