The 2022/23 season will have been unforgettable for Newcastle United’s loyal fans, as they qualified for the Champions League for the first time in two decades.
However, this season did not produce the same magic that Eddie Howe and his team were able to provide the previous season. They have faced a series of challenges, which currently places them in 8th position. Because it seems unlikely that they will qualify for Europe’s biggest competition.
Things haven’t worked out for Newcastle this season, but there’s no reason why the team with the best defensive record last season can’t turn a corner and look to push even further next season.
Injuries and system problems
Newcastle fans are torn over whether Howe should lead the team next season, but there is no doubt he has already achieved great things with the club during his time in the North East.
Newcastle started the season strong and suffered just one defeat in three league matches in the first three months of the season, while running wild against some opponents. The most notable being PSG at St James Park.
Just before the winter period, things took a turn for the worse for the Magpies, with a wave of injuries ravaging the club, on top of Sandro Tonali’s summer signing being banned due to a series of betting violations.
Any injury/ban was always going to affect Newcastle and their early season momentum, but a huge implication was due to the style and formation played by Howe.
Tonali’s signing allowed Newcastle’s main midfield configuration to contain Italian Bruno Guimaraes and his Brazilian teammate Joelinton. Howe’s goal was to completely dominate his opponent in the middle of the park, thanks to the overwhelming physicality of the three and the quality of the ball.
However, due to the problems, Newcastle lost that midfield advantage and had to pay the price. Players like Lewis Miley and Elliot Anderson had to step up, proving what they could offer and they undeniably showed it, but it’s certainly not what Howe had planned.
The same can be said with offensive production, as newly signed Harvey Barnes missed several months due to injury, while Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson also missed part of the season due to injury. injury.
For me Newcastle’s biggest problem has mainly been the problems they have had in defence, mainly at the back, and this is where people have been critical of their manager.
When Dan Burn was injured, Tino Livramento was chosen to replace the 31-year-old while he was sidelined. Livramento joined the club in the summer from Southampton for £37million.
The big problem facing Newcastle is that Livramento and Burn are nothing alike. Burn is a more robust defensive back who supports the defenders and allows the left midfielder, in most cases Joelinton, the opportunity to drift in and occupy that space. Livramento needs this space because he is an explosive full-back who wants to get forward and create chances.
The 21-year-old played the role of ‘Burn’, and it was a catalyst for their own downfall, particularly when Kieran Tripper was going through a tough time. When their midfield and attack faced problems, they rarely created anything. The fact that they then gave Livramento no attacking freedom showed that Howe could not adapt his tactics to his team without injury and was more suited to the individual. Therefore, with the season they had, it was always going to be a failure.
Dreaded transfer window
The end of the season is only a month and a half away and the teams will already be planning their summer window, both in terms of sales and revenue. For Newcastle, the size of this window cannot be underestimated.
A big problem Newcastle could face this summer is FFP rumblings potentially affecting their business in the window, with significant sales in prospect.
The Toon Army will be happy to hear that Isak is currently determined to stay at the club, but there have been plenty of rumors surrounding Tripper, Wilson, Guimaraes and Joelinton over the past couple of months.
Newcastle are in a bleak situation in this regard, as it depends on what other clubs are willing to offer their players, as well as the ability of their scouts to find alternatives to these players who can have a similar impact on the ground.
If Newcastle manage to win the Europa League this season, it will have huge advantages over the caliber of player Newcastle might be able to bring in this summer, with that European pedigree.
However, a complete rebuild is not that far away. If both Brazilian midfielders decide to leave, a completely new midfielder will likely be needed for next season. Above the defenders, many of whom are suffering from long-term injuries. Currently they are interested in Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly, who will leave the Cherries at the end of his contract.
It’s not as if there aren’t any big talents on the market who can replace these players, but finding them at the right price, with a potential FFP sanction looming over them, will be Newcastle’s toughest battle will have to face this summer.
Ultimately, Newcastle faced bad luck countless times this season, and it put them in a tough situation at the end of the season. The fans have supported their players all season and have shown why they are considered one of the best fanbases in the Premier League this season, despite the difficult times they have been through.
Whether it’s Howe or someone else who leads the team next season, they have a monumental task ahead. First of all, ensure that the team is in the best possible position, despite the sanction indication. Building a team that is not too dependent on individuals, more focused on tactics and the style of play that Newcastle have in place. Finally, produce a team of players who are 100% committed to the club, a group of players that the supporters can be proud of, as they have been for the last two seasons.
Cover photo – “Football Crowd – St James’ Park” by Steenbergs is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
