Alexander Isak: a £60 million panic buy? To say that Newcastle United have made mistakes in the last few years when it comes to strikers would be an understatement. Carroll, Slimani, Joselu, Muto, Joelinton and Chris Wood are just a few of the strikers we’ve signed who couldn’t hit a cow’s backside with a banjo. There are also the strikers who disappointed at Newcastle, but went on to thrive elsewhere, like Alexander Mitrović and Ivan Toney, who can now be seen banging them in on a regular basis at Fulham and Brentford respectively. Rondon was OK ish but he only lasted a season, and even when Eddie Howe seemed to have an answer at last with Callum Wilson, he become the biggest injury magnet in the Premier League. (more…)
There’s much to think about for Eddie Howe. Despite all the tales of future world class signings, future Champions League competition and all the rest, it has been a frankly awful season for Newcastle United so far which has seen them rooted within the bottom three. A nightmare December run of games against Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester City and finally, Manchester United certainly didn’t help, but as the games get ever more crucial, what lies in store in the next few games for Newcastle and our basement rivals in the race for survival? (more…)
Joe Willock: Toon’s only Summer signing. One thing most Toon fans can agree about is that Joe Willock certainly made a very positive impression during his loan spell last season. If anything, it seemed as if he was almost too good (bear with me). With every performance (and every goal), it seemed as if he was drifting away from us, either Arsenal would see the error of their ways and want him back, or his price would escalate to the point where notoriously tightfisted Toon owner, Mike Ashley, would get the vapours at the sums being mentioned, but it didn’t. Willock was sold for around the price we thought he would be in the first place if the figures being bandied around (£20-25 million) are to be believed. (more…)
Careful now, Allan, we really need you! It’s no secret that Newcastle United are on a poor run of form, and many fans think that the main reason is the defensive style of Steve Bruce. Whatever the merits or otherwise of Steve Bruce’s method though, there is one thing Newcastle United have been missing since November which has had a bigger effect than anything else, Allan St Maximin and his marauding runs down the flank.
Before I continue though, I think that a little evidence is in order. In the table below, games where St.Maximin has started is compared with games where he was out, or only played a few minutes as a sub at the end of games. The data is taken from the beginning of last season when St.Maximin joined the club. As you can see below, as far as performances with him and performances without him are concerned, the difference is stunning, and a little scary. (more…)
A Merry Christmas beckons for Newcastle United? With two victories against Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion already under their belts, the Christmas fixtures could be a very good period for Newcastle United if they can keep up the momentum in the run up to Christmas. All of their next three opponents, Leeds, Fulham and finally, Championship side, Brentford, in the League Cup Quarter Final are all below them in the league. Can Steve Bruce take the bull by the horns, silence the doubters and make the most of this opportunity? (more…)
