10 Things We Learned From Sheffield United 2-2 Newcastle

2. The Defence Remains A Mortal Weak Point For NUFC

It's been brought up time and time again - and has featured in just about every single "Things We Learned" from each of the pre-season matches to date - but once more Newcastle's defence proved to be their mortal weak point against Sheffield Utd. As was said in the previous point, Premier League opposition would most certainly have put the Magpies to the sword on Sunday. The Blades missed a whole host of guilt-edged opportunities to put the game out of sight, and their wastefulness in front of goal allowed Newcastle to snatch a fortuitous draw. Mike Williamson was hopeless once again, as was Steven Taylor - and, although Jamaal Lascelles offered a slight improvement off the bench, he is not the sole answer to Newcastle's defensive problems. Chancel Mbemba's impending arrival will provide a boost, but the Magpies need another centre-back as well because they simply do not have a leader at the back. Recruiting an experienced defender should be a priority - because otherwise Newcastle will continue to concede goals for fun, just like the eye-watering 61 they shipped in the Premier League last season.