Is Newcastle United struggling with confidence after Everton defeat?

Newcastle are 13th in the Premier League table and seriously out of form, with four defeats from their past five games in all competitions.

Newcastle United suffered another disappointing defeat as Thierno Barry scored for the second time in five days to give Everton a 1-0 win at St James’ Park in the Premier League.

The result has added more pressure on Matthias Jaissle, who is struggling to find his feet in the Premier League. 

Newcastle’s defensive problems have also continued after a similar episode against Everton in the Carabao Cup as well. The Magpies have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their past 14 home league games, which is the longest run in their league history.

Captain Dan Burn has now admitted that confidence is becoming an issue within the squad, while also accepting the frustration of supporters after another disappointing performance.

Burn admits Newcastle are struggling with confidence

Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle after the game, Burn admitted the performance was below the standards. 

“It was frustrating and disappointing. Wasn’t a performance that we expect at Newcastle United, especially after what we have seen in the past three or four years.

“It is still fine margins. We have obviously been undone by a quick free-kick that we didn’t defend well. It is a similar story to what I’ve been talking about over the past few weeks where we are lacking that cutting edge in the attacking box and we aren’t defending our box well enough. You get punished at this level if you don’t do those things well.”

“We are probably lacking a little bit of confidence as well – I think you can feel that a little bit. When we were trying to get a goal towards the end, I feel like we lacked a bit of confidence and decisiveness. We needed someone to play that killer pass or take the shot, but we were sort of snatching a little bit.”

Dan Burn understands Newcastle fans’ frustration

Dan Burn also spoke to Sky Sports after the defeat and admitted that the atmosphere at St James’ Park has become difficult for the players.

“Disappointed, frustrated. Much of the same in the last few games – between the boxes we do OK but we’re not ruthless enough going forward or defending our own box.”

The Newcastle captain understands why supporters have made their feelings known, but believes the atmosphere is also having an impact on the players.

“I understand the fans’ frustrations at half-time and full-time, I don’t think St James’ Park is an easy place to play when that’s happening though. You can feel a nervousness from the crowd and that translates on to the pitch.”

“But I’ve been a fan so i understand the frustrations when they’re not getting what they’re expecting. That wasn’t a Newcastle performance like we’ve expected in the last three or four years so I can completely understand the frustrations. It doesn’t make it easier for us as players. You can sense that nervousness in the ground.”

Newcastle now need a response quickly, with their poor form and growing defensive problems putting further pressure on Jaissle ahead of their next Premier League fixture against Fulham now.