Yet another abysmal performance from the Magpies , this time against West Bromwich Albion. A complete lack of threat, structure and tactics. There are many reasons why Newcastle United are on the brink of certain relegation.
THE HEAD COACH
After failing to play attractive attacking football in the opening 12 games of the season, Steve McClaren opted to go for the ‘smash and grab’ strategy.
This worked wonders against Liverpool and Tottenham, simply because they were teams that we would regularly sit back against. They were teams that were defending a draw and at the last minute trying to go for the win was the best thing to do.
But why does Steve McClaren continue using this policy against teams that we should be in control against? It simply isn’t working. As for only substituting players (i.e Thauvin) in the 85th minute when they will have little impact on the game, I also find this ludcirous.
WINGERS
Our four-man midfield is made up of four central midfielders. This leaves us with no natural wingers and is a massive problem. Although Sissoko can cross a ball his best pieces of play are when he charges down the middle and creates an opportunity from there. Wijnaldum is also not a winger. He is only ever effective when he drifts into the middle.
How on earth are our strikers meant to receive sufficient service without proper wingers? Thauvin is one, but McClaren seems to only give him a maximum of five minutes per game for some bewildering reason.
WHAT MUST WE DO?
A clear-out in January is definitely needed, and fresh faces would be more than welcome. Newcastle need a centre-back, left-back, a winger, a centre midfielder and a clinical striker.
A real number nine striker that can make something out of anything and can finish the ball in the back of the net would be nice! When Newcastle counter-attack, I can’t see anyone who will score, nor can I see a really threatening player on the pitch in black and white.
We need to clear out the deadwood that still continues to rot the squad. Cisse, Tiote, Gouffran, Riviere and Williamson to name a few. Ideally, the players I would like to see us bring in would be Austin, Townsend, an additional winger and centre-back. However, I can only see the club bringing in a winger and a striker, if we’re lucky.
All of these things are contributing to our ‘relegation candidates’ label. It’s time for change. It has to be now, or it could prove to be too late.
