Newcastle United have had a pretty abysmal start to the Premier League season, prompting the replacement of Steve Bruce with new manager Eddie Howe. The club’s supporters have been boosted by the recent takeover, but for their dreams to become reality they have to secure their place in the division for 2022-23.
POSITION: 19th
TOP SCORER: Callum Wilson (4)
BETFRED ODDS: 4/6 to stay up
LAST THREE RESULTS:
Drew 1-1 with Brighton (a)
Lost 3-0 to Chelsea (h)
Drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace (a)
VERDICT:
The Magpies are the only side in the Premier League yet to win a game this term, drawing five and losing six of their 11 games, and it is not surprising that their start has been so poor. Under previous owner Mike Ashley the club always did just enough to maintain their place in the top flight, and this year is proving how far they are falling behind their rivals. There have been some very underwhelming performances and the defence has leapt from one disaster to another, and that is something Howe needs to address in January.
FANS’ VERDICT:
Sam Mulliner, Newcastle Fans TV
"It's been desperately disappointing so far, with no wins having thrown away three points at home to Southampton conceding a 97th-minute penalty. We need to get to January without being cut adrift at the bottom. The low points have obviously been the performances on the pitch. Particular lows were at Wolves, Aston Villa and the second half against a depleted Chelsea. The high point is of course the takeover. Finally seeing the back of Mike Ashley - the scenes outside St James’ Park, and the atmosphere in and around the stadium on the day of the Spurs game at home will live long in the memory."
VERDICT ON MANAGER:
Howe seems like a great appointment to steady the ship and it gives Newcastle a strong chance of staying up. He will know that there are too many players not up to standard in his squad and he will be eager to make changes to make his side tough to beat. He will be reunited with former Bournemouth pair Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser, with the latter likely excited to be reunited with Howe after falling out of favour under Bruce.
FANS’ VERDICT ON MANAGER:
"Howe was a solid appointment. He knows some of the players well including Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser. We certainly have a better chance of staying up this season with him in charge."
MID-TERM GRADE:
F – It has been a really poor start for Newcastle, with some really bad defensive displays which have cost them week after week. Their current trajectory is relegation, and they need a lot more work put in if they are to flourish with the funds which are set to be made available by the new owners.
