Newcastle FC are on a very negative run in the English league where they have only managed to take three points out of the last eighteen they have played. The loss of so many matches has led them to a position far below what they have been used to since last season. They are currently ninth in the standings.
This drop in the level of Eddie Howe’s team is due to a series of circumstances that have depleted the team both physically and mentally. In fact, ‘The Magpies’ level of play so far in the league has been like the ups and downs of a rollercoaster.
The main reason for this change in the team’s consistency has been the match load the players are suffering.
A very tight schedule:
This year they have played in the Champions League after two decades without doing so. Newcastle FC hadn’t played in European competition for ten years, when they reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League, losing to Benfica four goals to two finally.
Six extra matches in their autumn-winter schedule have seen them slump in both European and domestic competition, as without a deep bench, key players have had to play a large number of games.
As a result of this excessive playing time, there have been a number of injuries to ‘The Magpies’ players. Right now, they have several important absentees, such as their first choice goalkeeper Nick Pope (four months out), which has created the need for the club’s management to sign a reliable goalkeeper, as Martin Dúvravka isn’t convincing at Saint James Park.
Harvey Barnes is another of the English manager’s regulars, but a foot injury early in the season has kept him sidelined for several months. Newcastle FC will have to wait to repay the fifty million pounds they paid Leicester City for him this summer.
These two players are just two of a long list of injured players in the St James’ Park infirmary, a list that contains seven names in total and leaves the first team in a very delicate situation.
Betting scandal and sanctions:
A significant factor in the north of England side’s poor run of form has been the allegations and speculation surrounding one of their star signings in the summer transfer window.
Sandro Tonali, who came with the tag of being the highest paid Italian transfer fee (around seventy million euros) couldn’t have had a worse start to his time in the Premier League. In October, a scandal broke out involving illegal betting by Italian footballers, including Tonali’s name.
This generated an aura of negativity and mistrust in all corners of St James’ Park, which affected the mood of the team and, consequently, the performance of the players on the pitch.
In addition, Tonali was found guilty and was given a ten-month ban from playing professional football.
A loss of a key player in midfield that is significantly felt during matches. A playmaker who will watch the remainder of the season from the stands.
Only time will tell how far the comeback capacity of ‘The Magpies’ will go in 2024.
Translated by Marcos Rodríguez.
Main image: @NUFC.
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