Bewildering and Enchanting The Magpies Pursue Solution to Halt Chaos
Followers of the Magpies are increasingly regarding the team's squad as a fickle friend. When everything clicks, they can be the ultimate thrill-seekers, producing breathtaking exhibitions. But, in other matches, previously reliable individuals like their midfield linchpin and others simply do not show up.
Adding to the frustration is a second-half game management riddled with a worrying streak of disorganization. Before their trip to Old Trafford, the numbers paint a sobering picture: the team has let slip 13 precious Premier League leverage from leading positions this campaign and are without a clean sheet in ten straight matches across all competitions. Earning three points at Old Trafford would be only their second domestic success on the road this season.
A Story of Two Sides: Optimism Within the Erraticism
On the flip side, defeat has only come on one occasion in their previous six league encounters, and although sitting in a seemingly lowly 11th place, they remain a only 6 points behind the highly-prized Champions League places. Factor in an impending two-legged League Cup last-four clash against the reigning champions and a reasonable prospect of progressing to the European Cup last 16, and it is easier to appreciate the gaffer's guarded positivity.
“Our issues aren't limited to problems,” said the team's head coach. “You can see assets too. The perspective here is very much half full at present. I realize everybody else might have a opposing take, but in my view we're getting better.”
The challenge is: can this group recreate – or even eclipse – the achievements of the previous campaign's cup glory and fifth-place standing? Juggling a congested calendar hinders.
Exhaustion and Systemic Growing Pains
This heavy-leggedness could be the reason behind the inability to maintain a stellar first-half performance versus Chelsea, ultimately letting slip a 2-0 lead to tie 2-2. Similarly, it could be the culprit for a lackluster display in a painful loss to local rivals the Black Cats, where the team appeared sluggish just a short time after a grueling European excursion.
While coaching is undoubtedly Howe's strength, the constant grind of two games a week matches has radically cut into essential coaching sessions. This slows the team's stylistic evolution to playing with new striker Nick Woltemade up front, rather than the now departed their former star. While immensely gifted, Woltemade does not possess the same electric breakaway pace or ferocious pressing.
Indeed, the team's once-formidable high press has at times malfunctioned. Injuries to crucial component the Brazilian midfielder have been a factor, while high-profile arrivals Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey have struggled settling since their combined £90m+ transfers.
System Debates and Injury Woes
If a switch to a three-man defense might theoretically help the cause, a severe defensive injury crisis renders that problematic. Key defenders will be missing for the next crucial fixtures, further testing the team's depth.
When playing at their ferocious peak, they appear virtually unplayable. The catch is maintaining that level for the entire match. The typical alternative approach of dropping deep into a passive counter-attacking formation has sometimes been counterproductive.
“That match became anarchic at two-all,” conceded the coach. “However the intention was trying to win. Our mentality is to always try to win.”
The Way Ahead: Pragmatism
What seems called for is a pragmatic solution – involving better ball control, a midfield adept of slowing the pace, and a pragmatic readiness to occasionally accept a draw. However, a determination to compete on all fronts is stretching thin squad numbers to their breaking point.
It may seem sacrilegious to some, but a more selective approach in the cup competitions in the initial stages could have alleviated the current schedule pile-up. Amid vital European & Premier League matches on the horizon, the necessity to strategically choose focus areas is growing ever more apparent.
The manager acknowledged the scale of the challenge ahead. “When you're involved a club of this size, the expectations are big. Each game is crucial. There is progress to be made in the league. We're in the Carabao Cup last four, we want to progress in the Champions League and do well in the FA Cup.
“We're moving in the right direction, but we have plenty of improvement to do to become the consistently successful team we aspire to be. Our capacity to string together sequences of victories has eluded us so far.
“The task is to reach those levels we know we're able to reach. The internal belief is that the assurance we can achieve it is growing. But now we have to prove it. It's not all doom and gloom right now, but the coming period will shape much.”