So what's got to change?

[Zippity]

Our style, our formation, our tactics?

I remember 2 years ago, we were referred to, along with Man City, as the gold standard of pressing and intensity-when commentators and pundits were talking about other teams, they would refer to us, they would talk about a 'Newcastle style of play'. That's so different from now, it's like another team with another manager.

That hole between the defence and the midfield is still there-and we're talking 15 or so months it's been a problem. If the back line are too slow to fill the gap when Botman isn't there if the midfield are high and flat then something needs tweaking or changing. 2 or 3 decent passes and teams can cut right through us. (that's why I think we'll still try for Guehi in January-he can do that).

Set pieces? What's happened. Again, harking back to that season, our set pieces were inventive and delivery was hugely better than it is now.

Aye, players need to take individual responsibility and be better but the 'whole' seems to be misfiring at the moment.

January will help if we do things properly-the squad needs a refresh with options up front and on the wing as well as at CB (where Burn and Schar are starting to show their age).

Apologies for the moan...it's grey and rainy here so thast reflects my football mood,

[toptoon]

Just watched a replay of the game. What a feckin horrendous second goal to concede.

Again the space between the midfield and defense is glaring. With our lack of pace in the centre of the pitch (defense and midfield), a formation change to protect the CBs more would help a lot.

Can you imagine a ‘Gordon’ like threat on the right? It would transform our play. Miggy and Murphy aren’t good enough as we all know - I’d keep Murphy as back up.

[toptoon]

To answer your question directly, Zip, PSR needs to change.

[Marat18]

I think I read it somewhere regarding Klopp’s teams that with his style they burn out emotionally after a few seasons.
That happened in Dortmund and then Liverpool.

I guess it could be the case for Toon also.
Since takeover it was only upwards - avoiding relegation, cup finsl, top-4, champions league.
Remember how bad we were after Milan game - Luton and Forest games. We had that injury crisis then, but I think that was the point where our honeymoon ended.
We had some momentum to finish the season, but not getting Europe and disastrous transfer window lead us to the position we have now. After CL football you cant fight for Europe conference as hard.
I believe that the lads give their 100%, but with the league as challenging as EPL you should have that extra gas in your tank that turns 50/50 moments in your favour

[ex_pat_magpie]

Just back to basics as we did when E.H. first took the reins.

Pride, passion, positivity, and purpose.

[Nufcian]

Maybe a more pertinent question is…

Will Eddie change anything?

His past behaviours suggest not I’d say

[usedtobeshearer]

Firstly I have to say that there has been a fair bit of hyperbole regarding this result...we have won once at Stamford Bridge since the Prem started!

We gave Chelsea a game, could have gone either way.

Howe is NOT blameless, but the holes in our squad have been there since he arrived, RW and CB with pace.

Not many agreed, but I thought/think that we need a proper, pacy DM.

Our best players are not performing.

Anyway, on to the OP..

One thing I will say is Howe is stuck in one formation..

4231 might be the way to go at the moment.

Play both Tonali and Bruno as a double pivot. I don't want to see either of them there, but our slow CB's need protection.

Big Joe has not been good this season apart from the City game. I thought those as a midfield 3 was going to be great, but it's not working.

Play Willock as the No.10...thats why we bought him, he was great there. Isak is left alone too much, he needs support.

Barnes plays better as a sub, Gordon wants to play on the left. But let's put them on the pitch together so the opposition actually has two sides to worry about.

If Tonali and Bruno do their jobs correctly, along with the wide attackers, then then both Tino and Hall can go down the wing more often.

[Zippity]

Ironically, given the level of stick he gets, with Longstaff it was (I think) 3 wins and a draw and without him, we haven't won.

[usedtobeshearer]

Ironically, given the level of stick he gets, with Longstaff it was (I think) 3 wins and a draw and without him, we haven't won.

It's been a stat for a long time that we generally win more when Longstaff is playing.

[Marat18]

It's been a stat for a long time that we generally win more when Longstaff is playing.

I dont have the stats, but I think Longstaff scores more per 90 mins played than any other our midfielder?

Sean was our unsung hero in 2022-23 season, he doesnt deserve the stick hes getting.

Our midfield trio supposed to be on par with leagues best, but have we overrun anyone in the middle of the park?


Agree that we need proper number 10 in front of Tonali - Bruno. I believe it could work. Can we try Barnes there? I think he has it