Eddie Howe’s Exciting Style: Guaranteed Goals on Both Ends
Newcastle United’s manager, Eddie Howe, has been praised for his transformative effect on the team, with some comparing it to Kevin Keegan’s era. However, the control, compactness, and identity that defined the team have faded. In fact, they have become what Howe refers to as the “Accidental Entertainers.” While Newcastle has scored an impressive number of goals this season, they have also conceded a high number, which is not something Howe views positively.
Newcastle’s attacking prowess cannot be denied, as they have scored 59 goals in 28 games, the joint-fourth-most in the Premier League. This is a 28.2% increase compared to the same stage last season. However, their defensive performance has been a cause for concern. They have already shipped 48 goals this season, more than double the number they had conceded by this stage last season.
Matches involving Newcastle this season have averaged 3.8 goals, which is the second-highest rate by a team in a Premier League season. Only Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool in 2013-14 had a higher average. This makes Newcastle a team to watch for those who enjoy goal-filled matches. However, Howe’s main objective is not to entertain neutral fans but to win matches in an aggressive and dominant style, something his team is currently struggling to achieve.
Defensively, Newcastle has been going through a difficult period. They have gone 11 away games without a clean sheet, conceding a total of 28 goals during that time. This puts them level with bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United for the most goals conceded on the road. The absence of their first-choice goalkeeper, Nick Pope, due to injury has had a significant impact on their defensive solidity. Since Pope’s injury, Newcastle has conceded 34 goals in 14 matches, keeping just one clean sheet.
The defensive struggles can be attributed to the personnel unavailable and the resulting imbalance in the team. Newcastle’s opponents are getting more shots and efforts on target compared to earlier in the season. The expected goals against (xGA) per game has dramatically increased from 1.02 to 2.53. This is a total reversal from last year when Newcastle had one of the best defensive records in the league.
Despite their defensive woes, Newcastle has shown that they are capable of keeping clean sheets. Last season, they had the joint-meanest defense in the league and conceded only four goals in nine home games before Christmas. They have also recorded a shutout against Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, their recent performances have been marred by individual mistakes and poor defensive organization.
In their recent match against Chelsea, Newcastle conceded three goals in a manner that was both maddening and pitiful. The first goal came from a defensive error, with Sven Botman failing to clear the ball properly, allowing Cole Palmer to score. The second goal was equally error-strewn, with Dan Burn slicing a clearance and Palmer taking advantage of the space to score. The third goal came as a result of Newcastle’s high defensive line, allowing Chelsea to play through balls into acres of space.
Newcastle’s attacking prowess cannot be overlooked, as they have scored two excellent goals in the same match against Chelsea. The first goal came from stealing possession high upfield, allowing Alexander Isak to curl a sublime finish into the far corner. The second goal was an edge-of-the-area thunderbolt from Jacob Murphy.
Despite their inconsistent performances and defensive struggles, Newcastle is still capable of achieving more. They currently sit in 10th place in the Premier League but have the potential to secure European football if they can find stability in their performances. In the short term, they need to shore up their defense to avoid a hammering from Manchester City and keep their FA Cup dream alive.
Eddie Howe and Newcastle United have become known as the “Accidental Entertainers” due to their high-scoring matches. While this may be entertaining for neutral fans, it is not the style Howe wants to play. He wants his team to win matches in an aggressive and dominant manner. The focus now is on finding a balance between attacking prowess and defensive solidity to achieve their goals.
In conclusion, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United team has become known for their exciting style of play, with guaranteed goals on both ends. While their attacking prowess is impressive, their defensive struggles have been a cause for concern. Howe and his team are working to find a balance between entertainment and winning matches. With improvements in their defensive organization and stability in their performances, Newcastle United can achieve their goals and secure European football.