Newcastle United has once again fallen victim to a contest finishing with both teams knotted up in the scoring column.
Last week, Newcastle took on West Ham United and ultimately tied them 1-1 after starting the game out hot, and this week against Bournemouth they tied 1-1 after a sloppy first half.
Without midfielder star Bruno Guimaraes due to suspension, the overall flow and production from the Newcastle United starting 11 has been inconsistent.
At times it seems like they have an opportunity to blow out opponents, and other times it looks like the exact opposite is occurring.
Against Bournemouth, the Cherries got out to a quick start as they blasted a shot into the back of the net in the 30th minute. With sloppy play plaguing the Magpies, they looked to be unable to find a ball to go into the back of the net in their favor.
Fortunately, in the 46th minute, right before halftime, Newcastle got a break and was able to slide a shot into the back of the net to make the game tied back up at one apiece.
After Joe Willock was injured in the 39th minute, Anthony Gordon got his opportunity in the middle where he impressed once again. He played a big part in the build-up to forward Miguel Almiron’s equalizer just before halftime hit.
Although the contest ended in a tie, with both teams receiving a point, Newcastle United still remains undefeated in the Premier League since August of this past year. The tie also keeps them atop the league table at the No. 4 spot, just two points behind Manchester United in third.
A win this week would have been huge for Newcastle United as Manchester United tied Leeds in Wednesday’s contest. The win would have given Newcastle the No. 3 spot as they had the goal advantage.
This tie marks the 11th time this season that Newcastle has tied their opponents, and that shows an obvious sign that things need to change.
Whether it’s a more forward attacking mindset from Eddie Howe, or more consistent play from the lads up top, something has to be adjusted. Howe needs to have a set lineup for the attacking group so the chemistry and consistency can grow.
A good idea for the attacking core would see Gordon, recent star Callum Wilson and Almiron leading the way, with Alexander Isak and Allan Saint-Maximin as good substitutions to add athleticism and speed off the bench.
Only time will tell what the fix will be for this struggling-to-score Newcastle squad, but it must come soon as they look to clinch an appearance in the Champions League.
Newcastle United next takes on Liverpool this coming Saturday, Feb. 18. at 5:30 P.M. The only Premier League loss for Newcastle comes against the No. 10 team.
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