This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Newcastle picked up their second win in the space of four days on Sunday and entered the Premier League top ten for the first time this season in the process.
It has been a bit of a learning curve for players and management alike since Rafael Benitez left, but everything is coming into place and the side is performing well despite a lack of quality in certain areas.
The Magpies took a while to settle under Steve Bruce and it wasn’t until their 11th league game that they scored more than one goal in a single match, but they now have momentum and sit just two points off Manchester United in fifth.
As a result, there is no reason why they can’t start aiming to finish in the European qualification places, as in a tight league a win against Burnley next week could take them just outside the top four.
Who the heck is that?! Can you name all 25 of these obscure Liverpool signings…
There is every chance they could win not just that game but also the next few matches up until January, which would then provide them with a chance to strengthen in key areas, namely up-front.
The Red Devils are the highest-placed team they will play in the rest of 2019, and since they sit only two points ahead there is every chance that Newcastle will remain unbeaten.
That is primarily because Bruce has made his side very well organised and difficult to beat ever since he settled on the current system.
It took him a while to work out the most effective method for his side but the heavy defeat against Leicester made it clear that a four-man defence was simply not going to work out.
Since then the Magpies have lost just twice in nine games despite injuries to Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar – two key defenders – and that is credit to Bruce.
Added to that, he is now getting the best out of Allan Saint-Maximin and Jonjo Shelvey, the latter a particular achievement as he has been very inconsistent in his time at St. James’ Park – yet he has five goals already this season.
With the team able to grind out victories based on a resolute defence they should continue to pick up points with regularity, but Bruce will need Mike Ashley to back him in the market if he is to sustain a push towards European qualification.
One key area that needs improvement is the striking department, with fans getting increasingly frustrated at the main man Joelinton.
