Newcastle slumped to their seventh consecutive defeat with a 3-2 loss to Swansea City earlier this afternoon. Here is what we learnt about Newcastle from today’s result:
John Carver’s appointment as head coach must not become permanent.
Earlier this week, a report, published by the Chronicle, outlined the two candidates currently within contention for the head coach vacancy at St James’ Park – Derby County boss Steve McClaren and John “I’m one of them” Carver. Even though Mike Ashley has a history of making rash and ill-advised decisions, appointing Carver seemed a step too far. Yet, rather worryingly, the interim boss appears to be the leading contender for the role.
What’s even more worrying is the self-belief Carver has in his ability to take the hotseat permanently. When asked whether he believed he was in contention of being appointed permanently, John had the audacity to say: “Absolutely, why wouldn’t I?” Seven losses on the bounce, coupled with a win percentage of just 12.5% under his reign, completely eluding the 50-year-old at this point.
On a lighter note, Steve McClaren’s exit from Pride Park is looking more likely by the day after his side dropped points at The Den today, while Brentford and Wolves were both victorious, leaving the Rams just two points ahead of 8th place. The sooner a decision is made, the better but, should Carver be appointed, this could be the last straw for a large segment of the Geordie faithful.
Relegation is looking increasingly likely.
At the turn of the year, Newcastle were coasting in mid-table with 26 points. Sixteen games later and, having picked up just nine points since December, we are in the midst of a highly competitive relegation battle.
Meanwhile, following an incredible run of four wins on the bounce, Leicester have come back from the dead to squirm their way out of the relegation zone – one point ahead of our bitter rivals, Sunderland. At the same time, Hull City picked up a much needed three points at Turf Moor, thanks to Dame N’Doye’s brace, to keep up with the Foxes.
Manu Riviére just played his best game in a black and white jersey.
Following Emmanuel Riviére’s arrival at St James’ Park in the summer, expectations were high among the Geordie faithful who hoped their latest striker – who finished as AS Monaco’s top scorer last season, ahead of Colombian duo Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez – could emulate the goalscoring form of his predecessor, Loic Remy. Hopes were soon dashed as the 25-year-old failed to make any significant impact in his first few appearances in a black and white jersey.
Conversely, Rivére’s performance today was top drawer. The Frenchman worked well down the left flank, before finding Ayoze in the box, for our opening goal. He then came close to getting his name on the scoresheet but, after a fine save by Swansea’s Łukasz Fabiański, Manu’s wait for his first Premier League goal continues.
Siem de Jong’s return may save our season.
Let’s end on a positive note. The return of Siem de Jong could save our season.
Newcastle are desperate to put an end to their current plight and, I believe, Siem de Jong could be the catalyst to spark a revival. The Dutchman made his first appearance since suffering a collapsed lung, which left him sidelined for almost three months, and looked a class apart in his brief cameo – reminiscent to the days of Yohan Cabaye.
