Newcastle have ‘huge problem’ as ‘horrendous’ stat emerges
Newcastle United have endured a difficult start to the Premier League season so far and have set off alarm bells with their recent performances.
Eddie Howe’s side lost 3-1 to West Ham last time out, causing concerns about a number of key players and the reasons behind their disappointing display.
Alan Shearer branded Newcastle’s defeat “unacceptable”, while it means they have now won just three of their opening 10 Premier League fixtures and have dropped to 13th place.
However, a more concerning development following the West Ham defeat is that the Magpies have failed to win a single league game away from St James’ Park this season.
Their poor performances on the road have become a worrying trend, with their latest defeat extending a run without a win away from home since beating Leicester in April.
Eddie Howe questioned due to Newcastle’s away record
Mick Brown told Football Insider on 20 October that Newcastle are asking questions of Howe with suggestions he could soon come under pressure.
Now, Newcastle’s away form has emerged as a serious concern for the club, with questions being asked about the reasons behind their lack of consistency away from home.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the Magpies must resolve their issues away from home quickly.
“The results are there in black and white, and it’s a huge problem,” he told Football Insider.
“If you can’t win games away from home, serious questions need to be asked about why.
“From what I saw against West Ham, I’m reticent to use the word pathetic, but it really was.
“They played at almost walking pace, they seemed incapable of stepping up and putting any sort of pressure on, and gradually West Ham took control of the game.
“I wouldn’t say I was shocked, but I was surprised by how poor they were and how little they did to affect the game against a very poor West Ham side. They were horrendous.
“They seem to lack energy when they’re playing away from home. St James’ Park often gives them that drive to feed off, but obviously they don’t get that elsewhere.
“But they can’t just rely on the fans being behind them to get results, and as good as their home record is, they have to start winning games away from home.
“It’s a clear concern for them and something Eddie Howe has got to find a solution to quickly.”
This comes after Theo Walcott suggested Newcastle could move on from Howe, with his management of a bigger squad set to be tested while expectations continue to rise.
The real reason for Newcastle’s early-season struggles
Brown told Football Insider on 23 October that the real reason for Newcastle’s struggles has been the chaos caused by Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool.
The striker’s departure forced Newcastle to do much of their business late on, with many still adapting to the changes, and directly impacting their performances.
Meanwhile, the likes of Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall and Yoane Wissa have struggled with injuries, leaving them short of players in key positions, adding to their early-season issues.
Football Insider revealed that Newcastle’s hierarchy are not concerned, despite some suggestions Howe could come under pressure, and are confident of resolving the issues.
However, while the boss is not believed to be under any immediate pressure, there is a feeling that concerns will grow if their disappointing league form continues.
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