The international break probably came at a good time for Eddie Howe and Newcastle United.
The Magpies are facing a number of injury concerns but the international break gives Eddie Howe’s injured stars more time to recover ahead of their Premier League meeting with Chelsea later this month. They have suffered back-to-back defeats in their last two outings as they were beaten at Borussia Dortmund and Bournemouth in the Champions League and Premier League, respectively.
Thus, the two-week hiatus has offered Eddie Howe and his coaching staff time to reflect on Newcastle’s positives and address the pressing concerns when the Premier League season resumes. With that being said, here are three things we have learned from Newcastle’s 2023/24 season till now.
#Given the injury crisis, Eddie Howe has done very well
Newcastle United haven’t exactly roared out of the blocks and there are reasons to worry but Eddie Howe has done very well amidst all issues. He has a long list of injuries while Sandro Tonali’s 10-month ban for breaching betting rules came as a big blow. Yet, the team—consisting of squad and fringe players—put out by Howe in recent weeks has competed well.
Given all of that, Newcastle don’t find themselves in a bad position on the table, even if the much, much bigger battles are to come.
#The squad has real drive
Newcastle’s collective character and unity have been worth points since Eddie Howe took charge in November 2021. Whereas other Newcastle squads have given up when the chips are down – or let the negativity consume them – this crop seem ready to dig in with squad and fringe players giving their best.
Their reaction to three consecutive defeats in the opening weeks of the Premier League was admirable, as Eddie Howe’s side went on an eight-game unbeaten run in all formats after that. The determination, spirit, hunger and discipline of this group is up there with any Newcastle squad in recent memory. There’s no sign of them giving up.
#Anthony Gordon and Fabian Schar are key for Newcastle
Two players who have stood out for Newcastle this season so far are Anthony Gordon and Fabian Schar.
Gordon, by far, has been the best player, scoring four goals and registering two assists in 11 Premier League appearances. The winger has played on the left, right and down the middle, and most notably scored the winner against Arsenal at St James’ Park albeit in controversial circumstances.
As for Schar, the centre-back has started every single league game this term. In Sven Botman and Dan Burn’s absence, the Swiss has marshalled the troops very well from the back. The 31-year-old has grown into a key figure for the Magpies in the last two years, and his importance along with Gordon has only increased during his rough period under Howe.
