10 Stats That Show Why Newcastle United Lost To Manchester United

5. The Magpies' Average Successful Pass Streak Was Three... Man United's Was Six

A lack of possession has already been discussed for Newcastle's failings against Man United - and that was brought about by their inability to string more than three successful passes together on a regular basis all match. The visitors' average successfully-completed pass streak was double Newcastle's at six, and that allowed them to dominate the ball at St James' for long portions of the game. Disappointingly, Newcastle's passing accuracy was also a paltry 64% - well down on their season average of 78%. On the rare occasions the Magpies did get the ball, they simply gave it back to Man United - with Gabriel Obertan the worst offender as he completed little more than half his passes (53%).