What's Happening?
Newcastle United is facing significant challenges in their away matches, as highlighted by their recent 3-1 defeat against West Ham United. The team, currently in 12th place, has struggled to find consistency,
particularly on the road, where they have not won in their last eight matches. Their shot conversion rate in these away games is notably low at four percent, and they have failed to score more than once in any of these matches. The team has created far fewer big chances away from home compared to their performance at St James’ Park. Additionally, Newcastle's pressing quality has diminished in away games, despite maintaining high effort levels. The team has also faced structural issues, with a more zonal defensive approach leading to vulnerabilities that opponents have exploited.
Why It's Important?
The struggles of Newcastle United in away matches have broader implications for their season and potential league standing. Their inability to secure points on the road could hinder their chances of climbing the Premier League table. This situation affects the team's morale and could impact their fan base's support. Moreover, the tactical issues identified, such as ineffective pressing and defensive lapses, suggest that adjustments are necessary for the team to improve their performance. The team's management and coaching staff need to address these challenges to enhance their competitiveness and secure better results in future away fixtures.
What's Next?
Newcastle United is set to face Brentford in their upcoming match, which presents an opportunity to address their away game issues. The team needs to focus on improving their pressing quality and defensive organization to prevent conceding goals from fast breaks, a weakness that has been exploited by opponents. The coaching staff may need to implement tactical changes to enhance the team's performance and secure their first away win of the season. The outcome of this match could be pivotal in determining Newcastle's trajectory for the remainder of the season.
