Alan Pardew gives 5 reasons for change in Newcastle form
Alan Pardew was asked at his pre-QPR press conference what had caused the change in fortunes for Newcastle United over the last few weeks.
Going from seven Premier League matches without a win, to four Premier League fixtures and four wins, making it a five match winning run when you add in the victory at Manchester City in the League Cup.
The United boss came up with the following five factors for the turnaround;
Good unity in the squad
A team that wants to help each other
Technical ability
Pace
Nice blend of youth and experience
Alan Pardew saying;
“Good unity in the squad, a team that wants to help each other, technical ability, pace, nice blend of youth and experience…mix that all up and that is what you get.”
Playing devil’s advocate, why weren’t these elements in play earlier in the season?
I think that while team spirit has certainly helped, I don’t think there was any real lack of it in the opening games.
What the truth is for me, but Alan Pardew can’t come out and say, is that some of the more experienced players aren’t up to the job and certain summer signings don’t look like they have much chance of making the grade either.
Starting with QPR, these next few matches could tell us a lot about a number of players.
With all the injuries the likes of Riviere, Gouffran, Anita and Cabella are all likely to be getting plenty of chances to prove the doubters wrong.
Whether they can step it up will be a big factor in which direction Newcastle’s season goes from here and as individuals, where their United careers go as well.
If you would like to feature on The Mag, submit your article to contribute@themag.co.uk