Newcastle United have four games under their belt and we’ve learned a few things about this squad over the last month.
It feels like just yesterday we were impatiently waiting for the 2019-20 Premier League season to kick off and now it’s hard to believe how quickly the first four weeks of the season flew by. Newcastle United have crossed four games off their schedule and their performance record consists of one win, one draw and two losses.
Four games is still too early to judge a team, especially when multiple new signings from other European leagues recently joined the squad, but four games provides a sufficient foundation for an early analysis. After four games it is fair to say that the Magpies are an intriguing team and here is what we’ve learned so far.
Still in the Adjustment Phase
Newcastle United have been inconsistent and unpredictable heading into each weekend so far this season. A major reason for this is because the newcomers from this summer, primarily Joelinton, Jetro Willems and Emil Krafth, are still adjusting to English football. Moreover, the players from last season are also trying to develop a better understanding of how these new signings play on and off the ball.
Joelinton hasn’t touched the ball nearly as much as he should, mainly because of poor deliveries from midfield, but he has broken the ice with a goal against Tottenham and that is a good sign. Krafth has started three games for the club and he’s been gradually improving each weekend. Willems has been up and down, but he’s shown that he has the talent to be a good replacement for the injured Matt Ritchie, who is expected to be out for two months.
Defense Looks Stable
Aside from the collective meltdown against Norwich City in the second week of the season, the back-line has looked stable. If it wasn’t for one costly mistake against Arsenal, Newcastle United would have taken a point on opening day. The defensive performance against Tottenham showed fans and pundits that the Magpies can be compact and composed when facing one of the most dangerous attacking teams away from home. Finally, if it wasn’t for an unlucky deflection in the second minute that gifted Watford with a goal, the Magpies would have taken all three points this weekend.
The defending isn’t always great, but it is keeping the team competitive in games. Jamaal Lascelles and company need to work on their communication, and the wing-backs need to do a better job of being aware of their surroundings. Overall, though, the Magpies defense is doing a good job at intercepting passes, closing open lanes quickly and making timely tackles before Martin Dubravka is threatened in goal.
The 3-5-2 Formation Can Work
Steve Bruce’s 3-5-2 formation is still a work in progress, but it can work. So far, the Magpies have been much more defensive than they would like to be – averaging 35% possession- but they have created meaningful chances in every game. Over the last two games, Newcastle United have started to spread the ball around more wisely.
In other words, players are starting to understand who they should be looking for to orchestrate attacks. Pointless long balls are gradually being replaced with grounded passes out wide and Joelinton and Miguel Almiron are getting more touches higher up the field. The biggest problem offensively is the lack of innovation in the final third, but hopefully that will change soon when players become more comfortable in their roles.