After a string of mediocre performances and disappointing results in pre-season, Newcastle United opened up their Premier League campaign with an exciting 2-2 draw against tough opponents in Southampton. Ahead of the game, there were concerns whether the side would be ready, with defensive deficiencies still prevalent and questions over who would actually start. Truth be told, if you offered most Toon fans a draw at home against the side that finished seventh last year before the game, they would likely have taken it. To get so close to victory, however, fans were in the end left coming away wondering what might have been. A draw was probably a fair result but to see the Magpies have more of the possession and fashion some chances makes a nice change from last season and gives signs for optimism. The two goals conceded were disappointing though, with defenders beaten in the air and both crosses coming from the right-hand side of the field. While Steve McClaren's men started the season better than expected against the Saints, there are areas that he still needs to look at and his notebook likely has a fair few questions that need answering before the trip to Swansea City on Saturday. Here are some questions that the Newcastle boss needs to look at, along with a few recommendations ahead of the Swansea tie...
NUFC contributor for whatculture.com/nufc.
University of Edinburgh graduate with a love of sport, in particular Newcastle United surprisingly enough. When I'm not shaking my head at Paul Dummett and Yoan Gouffran, I'm usually reading something or watching films of varying quality.
