9. Possession Isn't Everything... Newcastle's Coaching Staff Need To Find A Formula Which Delivers Goals
Newcastle's newlook backroom staff have received much praise for their attempts to change the Magpies' style from the turgid, directionless football of last season to a philosophy which promotes passing, movement and a high press - and rightly so. Yet that praise should only go so far. It's all well and good Newcastle passing the ball around nicely and looking brilliant for the first 15 minutes of every game, but eventually they have to start scoring some goals. Against York City, Newcastle enjoyed 64% possession, they had 26 shots (of which 12 were on target), and yet they found the back of the net just once. York on the other hand had just two real opportunities - and took them both. For large periods of games, the Magpies seem to pass the ball around without purpose - with no urgency to move it forward into dangerous positions. Do that against Premier League opposition and they will simply sit patiently, then pick you off. Going forward, Newcastle's coaching staff need to ensure that they add goals to the Magpies' game - because otherwise they'll be a side who play tidy, possession-based football but who get beat every week.