11 Things We Learned From York City Vs Newcastle

11. The Biggest Shock Of The Evening - Newcastle Still Cannot Defend

Every issue of "Things We Learned" - bar the first one against Gateshead - so far in pre-season has featured this same entry. Yet Steve McClaren and his backroom staff are no closer to rectifying undoubtedly the biggest problem facing the Magpies right now. Lubomir Satka and Jamaal Lascelles were the youthful pairing at centre-back against York City, and the duo did not perform well together. True York only managed two clear-cut chances, but both of them came from criminal defending - with the centre-backs both hopelessly out of position. Mike Williamson is not the answer, Fabricio Coloccini could well be on his way, Paul Dummett is unfit and largely untested at centre-back, while even Chancel Mbemba's arrival will not suddenly transfer the Magpies' defence overnight. Further defensive reinforcements - and experienced ones at that - are needed BEFORE Newcastle face Southampton on the opening day of the Premier League season. Otherwise the deficiencies which have plagued the Newcastle defence will continue unabated.