Jamaal Lascelles reflected on Newcastle United’s season so far and seemed happy at the way the campaign was going.
The Magpies captain shared it was a positive sign that the Magpies’ form had started to pick up but admitted the Magpies need to improve upfront.
Lascelles stated that the Magpies needed to be more clinical with their finishing as the team were on the right track regarding their intensity and defending.
“What is positive for me is that our form is starting to pick up,” Lascelles told the Chronicle.
“We put in a really good show against Man United and similar at Chelsea.
“Form-wise we are OK. It’s not like the Norwich or Leicester game any more so there are good signs.
“Hopefully, now we can start getting results.
“We have set a benchmark in terms of intensity and defending.
“Now we just need to be more clinical with our finishing.”
OPINION
Lascelles has hit the nail on the head when pinpointing where the Magpies need to improve as it’s clear they need to be better upfront. Steve Bruce’s side have only managed to score five goals in the first nine league games of the season, and that is the same amount as bottom-of-the-table Watford. No team has managed to score less and at the end of the day goals win games, so the Magpies have to find a way to fire the ball into the back of the net. One way to improve upfront could be by utilising Dwight Gayle more. The English forward made his first appearance of the season by coming on for the last five minutes of Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Chelsea, and maybe he will fare better in front of goal than Miguel Almiron or Joelinton has this season. However, it is worth noting that Gayle’s track record in the Premier League implies he may not be able to help them. The 29-year-old forward has only averaged 0.21 goals per game across his 100 Premier League appearances as he’s only managed to score 21 top-flight goals (Source: Premier League). Considering Gayle is meant to be an out-and-out forward that record is worrying. Yet who knows maybe Bruce will know how to get him firing as there’s no denying the attacker always works very hard for the team and gets himself in dangerous positions.
