Revealed: The real reason for Newcastle struggles amid Eddie Howe ‘questions’
Newcastle United have endured a mixed start to the season so far, with their European form far outshining their Premier League performances.
Eddie Howe’s side beat Benfica 3-0 in the Champions League on 21 October, easing any immediate concerns about their recent form at St James’ Park.
However, the Magpies have won just two of their first eight league games this season, leaving them 14th in the table, while their away record is causing additional concerns.
Newcastle have failed to win a league game away from St James’ Park since April, when they earned a 3-0 win against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
As a result, questions have been asked about Howe as well as a number of his first-team stars including the likes of Anthony Elanga, Dan Burn and Joelinton.
Newcastle struggling from injuries and transfer chaos
Despite criticisms from supporters so far this season, the main reason for Newcastle’s major dip in form 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.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the turbulent transfer window, alongside multiple key injuries, are to blame.
“Newcastle’s poor start to the season is a concern,” he told Football Insider.
“One big criticism of them so far is they lack consistency, you don’t go into games knowing how they’re going to perform or whether they’ll be hard to beat.
“I have no doubt some of their issues in the summer came as a bit of a blow, it was a disaster for them really, but they’ve looked poor so far.
“Losing such an important player as Isak with everything he brought to them, and with all the chaos it caused in the transfer window it can’t have been easy.
“Then the players they did bring in, didn’t come until later in the window, so they’ve not had the time to completely adapt and gel with the team.
“They’ve definitely missed Livramento since he’s been injured, that was a massive blow for them.
“There are a few concerns in the midfield, Joelinton hasn’t been at his best lately, I’m not completely sure Bruno Guimaraes has been either, in all honesty.
“Wissa hasn’t played for them yet because he’s been injured, so that’s another concern.
“It seems to me that things haven’t quit clicked for them yet because of these injuries and players coming in, but I’m sure it’s something that will work itself out.
“They just need some time to adjust and get back to their best.”
The likes of Livramento, Lewis Hall and Wissa have struggled with injuries, leaving them short of players in key positions, adding to their early-season issues.
Questions asked of Eddie Howe as Newcastle concerns emerge
Brown told Football Insider on 20 October that Newcastle are asking questions of Howe as a result of their poor start to the domestic season so far.
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.
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.
Meanwhile, there have been suggestions that Howe is frustrated at Newcastle and the way the club is being run, and could consider his long-term future.
He has been widely criticised for the recent run of form, but a fast start to their Champions League campaign has eased any immediate speculation over his position.
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