Pundit Craig Burley expresses his concern for Newcastle's 'obliterated' backline
- Newcastle United has one of the worst records for goals conceded this Premier League season.
- Pundit Craig Burley expresses his concern for Newcastle's 'obliterated' backline.
Newcastle United's recent defeat to Fulham has raised several questions surrounding Eddie Howe, which the English manager needs to figure out as soon as possible. While so far, they haven't been convincing either, but with results going their way, everything seemed to have been going fine, but now, the club's poor displays have finally caught them up.
Pundit Craig Burley expresses his concern for Newcastle's 'obliterated' backline
After the 3-1 away loss to Fulham, there have been several issues that have been pointed out as the possible compartments where work needs to be done. Be it setting up the club's front three, in which Gordon and Isak are still hoping to find their form, or deciding between Sandro Tonali and Willock as the starting midfielder, Howe's side definitely needs improvisations in order to hope for a successful campaign.
Recently, ESPN pundit Craig Burley pointed out a major issue that has been holding back the Magpies. Speaking about the club's defense, Burley opined that a key component of Newcastle's remarkable 2022/23 campaign was their strong backline, but it has turned out to be one of the major loopholes for Howe's side, this season.
Burley mentioned,
"“Their backbone was their back line. That was the foundation. Trippier, Botman, Schar, Burn—it’s just not happening anymore. The back line was solid for them, and it gave them a base. That has been obliterated.""
- Craig Burley(via ESPN)
Mentioning the injury of their star defender Botman and the uncertain roles of Trippier, whom they had sidelined significantly but then started in the Fulham game, has been a crucial setback for the club. Further, Burley compared the club's current scenario to the last campaign, saying,
"“Last year it was obliterated by injuries. Pope, the center-halves, Trippier lost form. Now you can’t guess what the Newcastle back four will be next week, and that is a huge problem.”"
- Craig Burley(via ESPN)
Next. Newcastle Icon Alan Shearer gives his honest verdict on their performance against Fulham. Newcastle Icon Alan Shearer gives his honest verdict on their performance against Fulham. dark
Clearly distressed by some unnecessary changes, the ESPN host has raised concern over the unpredictable and obliterated Magpies' backline. Given the fact that the club now has one of the most goals conceded backlines this PL campaign, Eddie Howe needs to sort his back four on an urgent priority basis to have his side contend for a top-4 finish.
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