Jaissle needs some wins to quieten down the noise at Newcastle
In his latest Reporter Notebook, Sky Sports News' Keith Downie looks into what is going wrong at Newcastle United.
Key points
- Newcastle United have lost three of their last four Premier League games and sit 11th in the table.
- The club ranks at the bottom of the league for shots against and expected goals against.
- Manager Matthias Jaissle is under pressure ahead of Sunday's trip to Crystal Palace, live on Sky Sports.
Newcastle United manager Matthias Jaissle is facing growing pressure after his side lost three of their last four Premier League matches, dropping to 11th in the table. Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie said Sunday's away game at Crystal Palace, live on Sky Sports, is now crucial for the St James' Park club.
Downie, writing in his Reporter Notebook, identified defensive weakness as a major concern. He noted that Newcastle are at the bottom of the league for shots against and expected goals against, and said the team appears too easy to play through, with a two-man midfield often overrun and the defence exposed.
Tactical and injury issues
Downie suggested Jaissle is trying to fit players into a system that does not suit them. He cited Yoane Wissa being used as a No 10 and even a No 8, Joe Willock deployed deeper, and new £51m signing Mathias Fernandez-Pardo playing largely as a No 9, saying all three are out of position.
The reporter also pointed to an early-season injury crisis involving Dan Burn, Joelinton, Anthony Elanga, Amar Dedic, Tino Livramento and Jacob Ramsey, among others. Downie said some have now returned but need to be worked back in gradually, and he argued that a more pragmatic approach and an extra midfielder could help stabilize the team.
it feels like Jaissle needs a couple of wins to quieten down the noise in certain areas on Tyneside
— Keith Downie
Fan mood and new signings
Downie said the mood among supporters has shifted. Opening performances against Liverpool and Tottenham had fans singing the new manager's name, but there were audible boos at full time on Saturday after a tepid defeat to Aston Villa. Some fans believe Jaissle deserves time, while others worry the style of play is unsustainable.
On the new signings, Downie said Sean Steur has shown the most promise but has been used in fits and starts, and that Fernandez-Pardo looks short on confidence. He added that Newcastle cannot afford to have £70m worth of players sitting on the bench.
