Newcastle United has had a difficult few weeks.
Eddie Howe’s side has had some challenging games against Manchester City, Liverpool, and Brighton since overcoming Aston Villa on the opening weekend, but they have failed every test thus far.
While City won the treble and the Liverpool defeat could be chalked up to a fluke given Newcastle’s dominance, the defeat on the south coast was concerning.
Sandro Tonali has been chastised for his defensive duty, while Bruno Guimaraes has not shone this season.Joelinton is another who has yet to reach prior heights.
The midfield is not working at the moment but it seems we are not at panic stations yet.
All eyes on Brentford
Brentford, another team no one will relish playing, are up next after the international break.
If Howe sticks with the same system and it fails to improve, questions need to be asked. Sean Longstaff, Elliot Anderson and Lewis Miley all offer rival competition, so its not as if Newcastle lack options in midfield.
These are early days of course but the pressure is on. With the Champions League campaign not far away now, Newcastle cannot afford to be heading for it with a midfield that cannot seem to function.
What Newcastle insiders are saying about their new-look midfield
Indeed, while things aren’t going particularly well at the moment, there is reportedly a hope behind the scenes that the situation will improve imminently.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Dean Jones said: “The big thing at Newcastle has been how they can get even more out of Guimaraes.
“That was why they wanted to bring in one more midfielder who could probably sit and break up play and play the other passes he used to play, allowing him to flourish more.
“We haven’t seen that happen in the early stages of this season, and that midfield trio hasn’t combined particularly in the Brighton game in the way you would expect or hope them to. But I’m told Newcastle are still full of hope and expectation that this comes good, and they haven’t got any major plans to change too much.”
All eyes on Brentford
Brentford, another team no one will relish playing, are up next after the international break.
If Howe sticks with the same system and it fails to improve, questions need to be asked. Sean Longstaff, Elliot Anderson and Lewis Miley all offer rival competition, so its not as if Newcastle lack options in midfield.
These are early days of course but the pressure is on. With the Champions League campaign not far away now, Newcastle cannot afford to be heading for it with a midfield that cannot seem to function.
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