Three things Newcastle United needs to do to win a title this season
By Kunal Chawda
One of the most storied clubs in the Premier League – Newcastle United found itself struggling before its takeover in 2020. Many assumed that they would go berserk in the transfer market after the deal, but the team invested in steady growth which would last long. With some smart and calculated moves in 6 transfer windows, Newcastle became one of the stable teams in the Premier League. Come the 2023-24 season, the team stands 6th in the table with qualification in the Champions League.
Teams like City, Arsenal, Liverpool and now Tottenham are strong in terms of quality and time spent on rebuilding, but the Magpies have also established themselves as one of the “dark Horses” in the league, who could win a title or two this season. After going through their style of play, transfers, and fixtures, we have identified some points that Eddie Howe should work on to fulfill the dream.
3 Things Newcastle United needs to do to win a title
1. Focus on one title at a time
The team is competing on four fronts this season Premier League, EFL, Champions League, and FA Cup. Newcastle started the season in style winning their opening game with a 5-star performance against Aston Villa. But then they could manage just 4 wins in 9 games. Highlights of their season so far were their win over PSG in the Champions League and win over both Manchester teams in EFL.
With the team they have and competition, they have a strong chance of closing the season with either EFL or FA Cup this term if they focus on the target for the same. They came close to sealing a title last term but lost to United in the EFL final. We are not discouraging Howe from being offensive in the Premier League and Champions League, but winning any title would surely inject new energy for next season.
2. Clearing out the Medical Room
Eddie Howe has a talented and deep squad that is managing wins over stronger opponents without their star players. However, having many players inactive for longer periods could hamper a team’s progress in the competitions. The Newcastle teams currently have 9 major absentees, with Botman and Isak returning as early as November 25, 2023. Till then they have important league games against Arsenal, Bournemouth, and Chelsea. The team would also visit Dortmund for a Champions League return fixture. Players like Isak and Botman are very crucial for these fixtures. So, keeping the medical room as less crowded as possible is very important for Newcastle United at the moment.
3. Defensive stance on the break
Eddie Howe is following his mentors applying a quick and sudden counterattack tactic to dash on the opponent’s goal. A transition from 4-3-3 to 4-5-1 in the attacking front allows them more bodies in the opponent’s half. The tactic proved very fruitful for the Magpies as they are leading the league with 26 goals in 10 games this season.
But they found themselves rather open in defences, attracting more attacks. The team should look to fall back and avoid getting caught on the count attack.
As mentioned earlier Newcastle United have a chance to secure at least one title this season and it could have a league double if they could work on above mentioned points. Magpies will host energetic and in-form Arsenal on Saturday. Gunners would also be looking to better their performances, especially with their city rivals topping the table.