Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles believes that the Magpies must start games faster at St James’ Park if they want to improve their home form in upcoming fixtures.
The Magpies face Fulham at home tomorrow afternoon, but talking to the Shields Gazette, Lascelles says he wants to make sure they don’t start off sloppily against the Cottagers, after conceding two first half goals against relegation threatened Bristol City last time out at St James’ Park:
“We need to put things right back at St James’s Park, because in our last home game we didn’t start too well. So against Fulham I want us to start well and get on the front foot early on. We’re very positive we can extend our unbeaten run. It’s about time we sorted out our home form and really kick on at St James’s Park.”
Four of Newcastle’s seven defeats have come at home in the league this season. Manager Rafa Benitez’s tactical approach has always favoured playing away from home, but it shouldn’t excuse lacklustre performances against teams the Magpies are expected to beat.
Lascelles and his side will not be complacent heading into the match though. Slavisa Jokanovic are a high scoring outfit and beat Newcastle 1-0 in the first meeting between the two clubs earlier in the season.
