Club legend Alan Shearer pinpoints the key factor affecting Newcastle's performances

Newcastle United's 2024/25 season so far has been pretty disappointing. After getting off a few quick points in the initial games, the Magpies have seen themselves struggling for points in the last few games. While already on the back of a disappointing series of results, their recent loss to Chelsea has put their top-4 PL finish hopes in an alarming situation as they slip down to the 12th position.

Club legend Alan Shearer pinpoints the key factor affecting Newcastle's performances

While easily, much of their woes can be directly linked with their poor final third presence, in reality, Eddie Howe's side has been hardly convincing in any of the key aspects so far. Apart from Isak's disastrous miss, giving so much empty space to opposition star Cole Palmer remains questionable, suggesting the need for improvisations in all three compartments: defense, midfield, and attack.

After their recent loss against Chelsea, club legend Alan Shearer pinpointed the key factors that have been holding back the club recently. Upon being asked what he wants the side to improve going forward, the PL record scorer replied,

"“Better all over the park, better defensively, more creativity in midfield.”"

- Alan Shearer

While there has been much talking about Newcastle's poor finishing up front, a big concern for the side has been their lack of midfield creativity. Understandably, after their recent loss, manager Eddie Howe suggested their midfield trio can improve much, who hasn't been convincing for the side consistently this season. Moreover, Shearer stressed yet another time the lack of intensity, which has been evident from their play again and again.

Not to forget, Newcastle's most successful campaign, where they had made it to the Champions League, had arrived with their high pressing tactics, which had been lacking from their game. What used to be the club's identity, their willingness to recover the ball quickly and create chances continuously seems missing from their playstyle, which has been impacting them a lot. Shearer, expressing disappointment on the same, mentioned,

"“Not seeing too much of high press; it was their energy; it was their goals; it was how mean they were, how nasty they were. Certainly not enough, anywhere near enough of it this season.""

- Alan Shearer

On top of that, what feels rather worrying for the Magpies side is that their forward pathway would get only tougher as they face two of the Big 6 clubs this week. Given the form they have been in, having had 3 losses and 2 draws in the last 5 games, it is going to be tough for them to rediscover their form up next against Chelsea and Arsenal. Newcastle fans would hope that the club returns back to their best level soon, keeping their hopes of a top-4 PL finish alive.