MNF is not too popular with fans across the EPL, but this one the 2nd-shortest trip for Geordies at least.
What started as a day of optimism with the prospect of rising to 3rd on the English Premier League table…
Ended with overflowing concerns.
Yes, a brutal night on Elland Road
The back four, Hall aside, were no better than that black-and-white team in League 1, Notts County.
Thiaw and Botman, in particular, having howlers. So far, the Thiaw-Botman partnership has been up-and-down, to put it kindly.
Dedic didn’t play up to the level
displayed in earlier matches.
The midfield of two players has been a big talking point of the young season, and Monday night was a masterclass in why.
In playing a midfield of two, the wingers ahead of them must play with more of a midfielder’s mindset to help support them.
And in the Premier League, one of that midfield pair better be physical.
That’s what Joelinton brings. It’s what Bruno brought, even though he’s not physically imposing.
Right now, the only United midfielder with any physicality is Ramsey.
But he picked up a knock pregame, leaving Mattias Jaissle in a bind.
No choice but to start Nico and Miley, a midfield pair that hasn’t gelled or shown much, especially against aggressiveness and high presses.
Bournemouth at St. James’ Park the previous Matchday comes to mind.
When Nico went off in the 19th minute, MJ’s only choices were Steur or Mason Miley. At worst, Willock or Murphy as a makeshift midfielder.
Injuries and a lack of depth are a major issue. This isn’t a surprise.
After Hull at home this Saturday, the international break hits
And good timing, too. Three weeks off.
It should mean the return of Big Joe, Dan Burn, and Will Osula.
That’s three welcome physical presences.
Nico should also be fine from the knock on his head early against Leeds.
Also, as of this writing, it appears that Dedic picked up a knock during the match…
So United could be down more players for Hull.
Even if not, presumably both back to full strength by the time the break is over and the Mags are at Coventry on October 12 for another MNF game.
That would leave Elanga as the major worry, as Jaissle fears the Swede may have a significant injury.
Even at full strength, save for Elanga, Newcastle still lack depth, especially in midfield.
The back four needs shoring up, too, with a focus on center back.
When all of this is added to the fact that the new gaffer has been on the touchline only six weeks…
A performance like Monday night isn’t unexpected…
Nor should it be the end of the world, like so many on Tyneside were reacting postgame and into the day after.
After six matches in league and League Cup play, United are 3-1-2.
On five points and in 12th place in the league. In the final 16 of the Cup.
Ask any Mags supporter on August 15th if they’d have been happy with those results on September 15th.
No way you’d find many unhappy with that haul. Not given the flux the club were in the final month of preseason.
So while being hammered at Leeds after being shaky at home to Bournemouth are performances to be concerned with…
We have to keep perspective
A win on a good performance against top 4 Hull City at home would help calm nerves.
So, too, the timing and length of this international break, this time a week longer than usual.
With all the injury concerns, however… Hull at home is not the gimme it normally seems against a promoted club.
They’ve come out of the gate impressively.
And Hull play a similar style to Leeds and Bournemouth. They’re physical and aggressive. They play with intensity and they press.
So St. James’ Park will have to be at its throatiest best to push the lads, because the first XI is going to be very young and thin, especially if Nico, Dedic, and Ramsey all aren’t fit.
Listen… Newcastle United supporters have seen worse. And it wasn’t all that long ago.
But now that the club have emerged from those dark days, expectations are different.
And that’s a good thing.
Still…
It’s a transition period right now
A daily flux of ups, downs, and flatlines.
The dressing room is still getting to know one another… even as over half a dozen players could be out for the Hull game.
Three of the starting XI and four of the subs against Leeds were in only their fourth Premier League match.
The best league in the world. The most physical. The toughest to adjust to.
Not ideal.
Especially with a staff who is also experiencing the league for the first time.
MJ and his staff are learning on the fly. Despite the start, not all of MJ’s in-game selections or strategies or tactics have worked.
What worked in other parts of the world don’t often fly in England’s top flight.
So Jaissle’s figuring out such things in real time.
It’s not for the faint of heart.
Even for the supporters. But we need to step up and be a fortress behind them.
A “just promoted” Hull will not be easy.
Neither will be any team. Not until the squad as constructed is at or near full-strength.
And definitely not until reinforcements come in. Hopefully, sooner rather than later…
As success in the winter transfer period is a must.
Let’s remember this
Good performances and good results are no reason to think on tap next season are glamor trips to Madrid or Milan or Dortmund on a pleasant October Wednesday night.
Just as bad performances and bad results don’t mean next season traveling to the likes of Cardiff or Portsmouth on a cold, rainy Tuesday night in January.
If your memory is short or you’re too young, always remember this:
We’ve seen worse than what we’ve seen to start this season.
Player Ratings
Based on watching the TV broadcast and listening to NUFC radio commentary.
Horniček – 6
Can’t fault him for 1st or 4th goals. Got a hand on the deflected 2nd goal and was let down by Botman for the 3rd. At least four other saves to prevent a cricket-like result. Has to stop messing around with the ball at his feet, though, especially with Botman on.
Dedić – 4.5
Ran his boots off again, but producing no real quality and out of position several times. Needs to improve 1-on-1 defending and decision-making on runs.
Botman – 3.5
Allowed DCL and Okafor too much room, both slipping behind him on the 2nd goal. Completely outclassed on Leeds’s 3rd goal and his weak header led to Okafor’s half volley for the 4th. Doesn’t seem to work well with Thiaw.
Thiaw – 4
Allowed DCL and Okafor too much room, both slipping in front of him on the 2nd goal. A late lunge deflected DCL’s shot out of Hornicek’s easy reach for Leeds’s 3rd goal and matadored Okafor’s half volley for the 4th. Does not seem to work well with Botman.
Hall – 6 (MotM)
Best of the back 4 again, which isn’t saying much. Was all over the place making runs and covering for others. He and Bogle had good duels, each getting the best of each other a few times.
Nico G. – 4.5
Was not too influential while he was there, but obvious he was missed once he was forced off due to apparent concussion symptoms.
Miley – 4
Looked overrun again. Did OK while Nico was on, but fell apart with Steur on for Nico. Works better with a more physical MF because he can play off that. When he’s the more “physical” MF, as when paired with Steur, it does not go well. And Miley’s lack of physicality is exposed.
Murphy – 3.5
A match like this is where Murph’s experience needs to come out. Should’ve helped his MF out more, especially once it was the two youngsters. Didn’t bring anything to the attack, either.
Barnes – 4
Only marginally better than Murph, but the same applies with his experience: needs to help out his young and unimposing MFs more than he did.
Wissa – 4
Not much offered, though he did play with pace and energy. But no real threat, a few times bundled over but wasn’t getting calls – his reputation for going down too easy growing. When the MF is getting overrun, he and other wingers have to press back more to get the ball and create.
Fernandez-Pardo – 4
Led the top of the line, but what little service he got wasn’t with enough consistent quality. His pace caused Leeds no problems. With his lack of physicality, he’ll need to figure out how to use his speed and directness against PL defenders.
Subs:
Steur – 3
On for Nico. Not his best game in black and white. Poor pass led directly to Leeds’s second goal. Together with Miley, he couldn’t match Leeds’s physicality or aggression. Completely overrun. Big Joe’s return will be good for Steur.
Toure – 6
On for Murphy 57’. Added pace and tenacity. Scored a fine goal, his second of the season in very limited time, so why’s he not playing more? Along with Hall, a player who didn’t disgrace himself.
Willock – 4.5
On for MFP 57’. Also added pace and directness, but no real quality and made no real impression on the match, which was well beyond the Mags when he came on.
Livramento – 4
On for Dedic 58’. No real impact on the match. Leeds were not pushing aggressively by this point, so didn’t have as much to contend with as Dedic did.
Bamba – 5
On for Miley 80’. No real influence. Leeds didn’t trouble him too much, as they were seeing the match out, so not a lot to go on. Still, good to see him get on for about a quarter hour. May see more of him against Hull.
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