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‘Four days in December to save this Newcastle United season – Doomsday scenario’

3 years ago
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Apologies in advance to those with rose-tinted glasses for writing this only seven days after Newcastle United kicked off their new season.

However, it has to be said.

Mike Ashley has allowed only one signing and I’m afraid that will be the sum total of what we will see coming in.

The NUFC owner has refused to allow the club to compete in these first 75 days of the transfer window for any other signings, including loan deals, so find it very difficult / impossible to believe that any credible incoming deals will happen in these next nine days.

When I looked at these opening games, I thought it was essential that Newcastle United got a minimum of five points, though realistically I thought seven was possible and very much needed.

West Ham at home, hadn’t done great business this summer and not really strengthened, plus some injuries, then add in we beat them home and away last season. So surely had to get something at home in the opening match.

Same with Aston Villa, they have had a major change of personnel this summer and had a high number of key players unavailable. Watford had shown the way last week when exposing early season settling issues for Villa when going 3-0 up, Newcastle had to get at them.

Instead, the Villa keeper didn’t have a shot to save in the entire game (a weak Joelinton header in the 97th minute that barely even reached the keeper, doesn’t count) yesterday, whilst West Ham completely dominated after half-time scoring three and NUFC not a single effort on target after the break.

Steve Bruce looking completely clueless in both matches as to how to turn them around. His answer both times to eventually bring Joelinton on…

Now I look at Southampton next week and it really is a 100% must win match – but I see draw written all over it. Newcastle United incapable of defending and keeping a clean sheet, making it very difficult to see a win. Though I hope very much that I’m proved wrong.

Otherwise, I see this ahead – four days in December to save this Newcastle United season – the Doomsday scenario.

Let me explain.

Southampton (H), Man Utd (A), Leeds (H), Watford (A), Wolves (A), Tottenham (H), Palace (A), Chelsea (H), Brighton (A), Brentford (H), Arsenal (A)

After this set of games above, Newcastle United will have played 13 Premier League matches before we enter December.

After that Southampton game, how many points do you honestly think Newcastle are likely to get, certainly with Steve Bruce still in charge?

I look at these early away games against the likes of Watford, Wolves, Palace and Brighton, and I see all those clubs looking at playing us as a massive opportunity to get three points on the board. They will be throwing everything at these matches, particularly if it is putting us in serious relegation trouble.

Home matches against the likes of Leeds, Tottenham and Chelsea…daunting.

Brentford at home? Four points from two games on the board for them already and I think they are looking good, certainly enough to prove formidable opposition to a Newcastle side under Steve Bruce.

I can’t help but think of that two wins in twenty one matches last season, Steve Bruce in total denial and not a clue how to get out of trouble.

These first couple of games, all the key attacking players available yesterday and yet not a single shot on target to make the keeper save anything. Same as that second half against West Ham, both games against teams that aren’t really that good.

I’m already looking forward to the first four days of December, as things stand, Newcastle set to play Norwich at home on the Wednesday (1 Dec) and the Burnley at home on the Saturday (4 Dec). These could be an essential six points to give us any chance.

Maybe I am being a little overly dramatic BUT after watching last season, these fears are justified. As I say, this a Doomsday scenario, not what is guaranteed to happen. Newcastle United could still do something in the next nine days with signings and / or get rid of Steve Bruce.

If you then consider December continues with Leicester (A), Liverpool (A), Man City (H), Man Utd (H) and Everton (A) to round off 2021.

We need to see positive action on AND off the pitch, or else Newcastle United are heading for trouble.

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