Newcastle United were flying high in the first half of the 2022–23 English Premier League season. The Magpies were comfortably sitting in the top three and looked like a side ready to play in the UEFA Champions League next season. Their tight defence was leading the charge in making it to the top four. However, a recent run of poor results has pushed them out of the top four, and the Magpies are sitting in sixth place. Despite having the best defence in the league, Newcastle United haven’t been at their best when it comes to scoring goals. We now look at some of the recent stats of the team that show how Newcastle United have struggled in the current season.
Struggles to find the back of the net
Newcastle United have played 24 matches this season and earned 41 points. They have won ten, drawn 11, and lost three matches. In these matches, the Magpies have scored 35 goals and averaged 1.78 xG per match. Recently, things have not gone in their favour, and the team is struggling. In the last eight matches, Newcastle United have won one, lost two, and drawn five matches. Their attack has been in poor form in this run of only eight points in eight matches.
The Magpies have averaged 12.2 shots and have an accuracy rate of 36.5% this season. However, in the last eight matches, the average number of shots has gone down to 10.75. The accuracy rate is 37.2%, but they are unable to convert most of these chances. The xG rate has been affected and gone down to 1.44 per match. In the last match, Newcastle United only attempted four shots and had a 50% accuracy rate. This decrease in numbers in front of the goal has pushed them out of the top four.
Failures to deliver crosses
Newcastle United have been a side that likes to deliver crosses into the opposition penalty box. The Magpies average 16.33 crosses this season and have a 31.9% accuracy rate. In these last eight matches, the average number of crosses has gone down to 14.625 per match. Their accuracy rate has also been affected and the percentage has been on the lower side at 27.35%. Most of the crosses have been delivered from the right side.
Failures to convert recoveries into shots
Newcastle United have been a decent side at recovering the ball high up on the field. In the last eight matches, the team has failed to convert these recoveries into a shot. They have made only 17 dangerous recoveries during this period. Despite making 98 high regains, the Magpies failed to convert them into shot-taking chances. Most of the recoveries have been counter-pressing, and that has only won the ball for them.
Betting analysis
As per the 1×2 betting odds, Newcastle United’s odds of winning the match will rise due to their poor form. Their inability to find the back of the net means that the under lines have thrived.
Eddie Howe will expect a positive response from his players in the coming matches. He will hope they add more goals to the tally and take them into the UEFA Champions League places. The defence has been stable and has been the best this season. They need to score more goals otherwise they might end up finishing outside the European places.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine
