Newcastle United’s Premier League record after six games stands at three defeats and three victories, putting the Magpies in the top-half of the standings but still with a way to go if they’re to retain their Premier League status.
Victories against West Ham, Swansea City and Stoke City have shown that Rafael Benitez’ side are capable of going toe-to-toe with the established clubs in the top-flight but defeats to Huddersfield and Brighton, both of whom secured promotion alongside Newcastle last season, show the performances need to improve- particularly away from home.
Newcastle’s performance in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Chris Hughton’s Seagulls side wasn’t bad and, on reflection, the Magpies certainly deserved something from the game. However, the learned a vital lesson- mistakes will be punished in the Premier League.
Rafael Benitez has established a talented and young side for the season ahead, with the players having a lot to learn, and Isaac Hayden discussed the lesson learned from the weekend. Quoted by The Shields Gazette, the former Arsenal man said:
“We’ve got the youngest team in the Premier League so far – a young spine of the time – so we’re always learning and we’re always improving. This was another occasion that we’ll learn from.”
“It was disappointing to lose in the way that we did. That was the most disappointing thing for me, not losing the game, but how we lost it. We’ll regroup for Liverpool.”
Newcastle created a host of chances in the game, with other 15 shots on the stat sheet, but they struggled to test Brighton’s goalkeeper enough and it shows that a massive improvement is needed in front of goal from the strikers.
Last season’s top-scorer Dwight Gayle is yet to open this account this season whilst summer signing Joselu has scored just once, with Aleksandar Mitrovic also having one name to his account- though he’s missed the last three games due to suspension.
Chances in the Premier League can often be few and far between, especially in the tougher tests like Newcastle’s hosting of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool this weekend, so the Magpies need to take their opportunities as they come- as well as remaining solid in defence.
Come the end of the season, Newcastle may look back upon the defeats to Huddersfield and Brighton as six points dropped and the group now needs to regroup for the upcoming matches, with Benitez’ side looking to embark on another winning run having won three consecutive games prior to their trip to the Amex.
