Originally Posted by
Zippity
From their 'premier league winners and losers' section.
Losers
Newcastle, giving up their goodwill
If Rafael Benitez looked deflated after the defeat to Tottenham, his demeanour in the post-match press conference at Huddersfield was one of resignation. It’s at times like these that Newcastle United supporters can take comfort in the fact that leaving the club would cost Benitez significant financial expense. It may be the only thing keeping him in place.
The change in mood at Newcastle is stark. From the joyous celebrations when the Championship title was confirmed in May, with Benitez heralded as their hero on the pitch, pessimistic supporters are worried about a relegation battle in August.
On the evidence of the first two weekends, Newcastle have the weakest squad in the division. It is tempting to say that the gulf in quality between the top two divisions was hammered home when watching Dwight Gayle on Sunday, but only one of Huddersfield’s defenders didn’t play in last season’s Championship. In midfield, Isaac Hayden looked lost and Christian Atsu abject. Again, this is against a team they defeated in the same fixture last season.
That suggests that this is not a question of ability – or at least not solely that – but mood. Mike Ashley’s insistence that the club cannot afford any new players until Benitez sells has once again driven a wedge between the club, its manager and its supporters; the latter two are on the same side.
One thing that was emphasised on Sunday is that Newcastle need more, not just to improve the squad depth but to lift the clouds that are gathering and allow the sun to shine through. If the inaction of the owner continues past the end of the current transfer window, it is easy to see this great club once again thrust into an unpleasant civil war. Welcome back to the Premier League, where dreams are made.
Pretty fair summary, imo.
