Newcastle United are in trouble. They are one point off the bottom of the Premier League table in 19th place, with one win all season and only eleven points. It’s been a poor first half of the campaign for the Magpies.
The Season so far
However, under new ownership following the end of Mike Ashley’s reign, Newcastle find themselves as the richest club in World Football, and by some distance. Signings are needed, but with owners seemingly willing to splash the cash to get the players they want, there may be an ounce of hope for the fans to grab onto.
The Managers
Newcastle started the season with Steve Bruce, and now find themselves under the stewardship of former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe. Bruce led Newcastle to just three points from their opening eight games, and after a 3-2 home defeat to Tottenham, the former Manchester United defender was sacked.
Howe has come in and picked up six points in his first eight games in charge. This included their first win of the season, a 1-0 home win against relegation rivals Burnley at St James’ Park. There is hope for Howe’s men, with the future looking much brighter than it did before.
Player of the season so far
There is only one player who has been a shining light for Newcastle so far, and that has been Allan Saint-Maximin. The Frenchman has contributed to seven of Newcastle’s nineteen goals in the Premier League, and for most of the season has been the only outlet for Newcastle when they go forward.
His importance to the Magpies cannot be questioned, and Newcastle suffer when he is unavailable for selection. If Eddie Howe can bring in players of Saint-Maximin’s stature, then it will allow him to express himself further. The most important thing for Newcastle is to keep the Frenchman fit, otherwise Newcastle will be in seriously trouble.
Signing of the season
Kieran Tripper became Newcastle’s first signing under the new owners on January 7th, but with Joe Willock’s £25 million arrival from Arsenal being the Magpies only bit of summer business, there was simply no-one else to choose from. Willock has struggled to hit the form that made Newcastle turn his loan move into a permanent one in the summer, but at 21-years-old, the Englishman has plenty of time to make good on his price tag.
Most disappointing player
Miguel Almiron has not lived up to the hype that surrounded his move to the North-East from the MLS back in 2019. He has struggled for form once again this season and looks a distant figure on the pitch. Maybe a loan move away from Newcastle could reignite his career, but it has been another season of struggle for the Paraguayan.
Grade so far: F-
