Newcastle United were up and running in the English Premier League after making a good start. The Magpies sat in the top four for numerous weeks and looked like a team capable of playing in Europe’s biggest competition next season. They have stopped the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Arsenal from winning against them. However, as the season progresses, the chances of qualification are in danger for Eddie Howe’s men. They are winless in their last four matches and have moved out of the top four.
Crystal Palace held Newcastle United to a goalless draw. This was followed by back-to-back 1-1 draws against West Ham United and Bournemouth. In the last match, the team suffered a 2-0 loss at the hands of Liverpool. This run of three points in four matches has not only pushed them out but has also allowed the chasing teams to get near them. We now look at some of the stats of the team that show where they have struggled in these matches.
Losing the goal-scoring touch
The Magpies haven’t been such prolific goal-scorers in the English Premier League this season. They scored 35 goals and averaged 1.5 goals per match. The average has gone down a bit in the last four matches. Newcastle United have just netted two goals and averaged 0.5 goals per match. The team averages 12.57 shots with an accuracy rate of 36.4%. The above xG map shows all 45 shots attempted in these four matches. The average has gone down to 11.25 shots, but the accuracy rate has gone up to 42.2%. However, most of the shots have been shot straight at the opposition’s goalkeeper, and that has given them no concerns. Another thing that can be noticed is that Newcastle United players have missed the target more often from the edge of the six-yard box. These chances could prove costly later in the season.
Their worst match in this run was against West Ham United. The team only attempted six shots with a 33.33% accuracy rate. In this match, the Magpies were unable to take a shot from dangerous positions inside the opposition penalty box. Eddie Howe will expect his team to improve their attack and score more goals in the coming matches.
Newcastle United are able to recover the ball after losing it. However, these recoveries haven’t caused much damage to the opposition. By looking at the above viz it can be seen that the team has made plenty of counter-pressing recoveries; however, only a few have been dangerous. The other recoveries have just won the ball for them. These haven’t continued their momentum in the attack.
Signs of struggles in the defence
Newcastle United’s defence kept them in the top four. They have conceded only 15 goals and have the best defence in the league. However, this defence was breached four times in the last four matches. The team kept 12 clean sheets in 23 matches. Of these 12, only one came in the last four. There hasn’t been a lot of effect on the defensive stats, but the opposition has started to find the gaps in their defence.
Their recent loss against Liverpool was one of their biggest setbacks. Newcastle United were reduced to ten men after conceding two early goals in the first half. They conceded two goals with the whole team but managed to keep the opposition away with ten men. This shows that Jurgen Klopp’s side found a way to beat the Magpies’ defence. They were unable to stop Liverpool from taking a win.
Betting Analysis
According to the 1×2 betting odds, the odds for Newcastle United will get affected. Their odds rate of winning the match will slightly go up. As for the over/under goals, they will be without Nick Pope for three matches. The chances of conceding goals will automatically rise.
Newcastle United are not in the best shape at this point of the season. They are starting to lose their grip under pressure. The team has recently dropped to fifth place. The Magpies will look to make a comeback in the coming matches and increase their chances of qualification to the UCL.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine
