Two consecutive 4-1 away defeats suggest things are far from clicking for Matthias Jaissle at Newcastle United. With a new manager, significant squad turnover and a younger core, we always knew this season would come with its fair share of growing pains.
But, whilst the tactical shortcomings are an indisputable concern, I actually don’t think that is the biggest of our worries.
In fact, what rears its head as a much more pertinent talking point in my eyes is the fact that the players aren’t even getting the basics right. Sloppy passes, miscommunication, bad decision making, and a growing pile of individual errors are becoming the story of the Magpies’ season and it needs to change fast.
How many goals have been our own fault?
I won’t ask you to think back to every goal we have conceded this season, mainly because we’d be here all day. But, if you do ponder on the goals we conceded yesterday against Coventry, it becomes clear that the players themselves really aren’t helping Jaissle out.
The penalty and subsequent first goal initially stemmed from Botman giving the ball away needlessly, before Hornicek made a right mess of a shot and gave away a spot-kick.
The second was a massive blow just after half-time and, whilst no-one in particular was at fault and Jaissle has talked about a foul on Willock since, you simply can’t deny that the Newcastle players were way too slow to get out to the ball and Cherif had as long as he wanted to pick his spot.
The third came from Hall losing the ball on the left touchline, before Joelinton was then dispossessed after a heavy touch. Even after that Malick Thiaw was nowhere near quick enough to react as Ellis Simms fired past Hornicek.
The fourth was courtesy of some horrendous defending from Amar Dedic as he basically watched Mfuni dance past him before slotting home.
By no means do I expect the players to be perfect, and there were obviously other factors involved in the goals, but to concede four and have all of them linked to either a direct mistake or a player failing to do the basics is inexcusable.
Why is it the case and will it get better?
All of the players are learning a new system and most of them are forming new partnerships too. Even the likes of Botman and Thiaw didn’t have much playing time as a partnership before this season and that sort of thing naturally breeds an environment where mistakes are more likely.
I don’t think it’s much of a coincidence that perhaps the only solid connection, Hall and Barnes down the left, is the area of the pitch we have looked the most competent to this point.
Not only are the players building new connections and taking on responsibilities but, as we know, the Magpies’ have the lowest average age of a squad in the Premier League this season. Young players are simply going to make more mistakes than established, experienced players and that little bit of naivety seems to be costing us.
The problem is, whilst we have a right to call it out and expect better, we also knew this was going to be the case and came to an understanding when the season began that we must stick by the manager and players no matter what.
That is, unfortunately, easier said than done, especially when you face a couple of results like Jaissle’s men have done away from home. But, as cliche as it might sound, ‘trust the process’ is a very really tagline for Newcastle this season and reports suggest the club would be content with a consolidation season that results in a similar finish to the last.
By no means do I think the players will continue to make such basic errors all season, the fact that they are professional footballers is enough to give them some grace for that, but I do think we are going to simply have to become okay with being disappointed if we are to get through this season.
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