Eddie knows expectations now soaring
CAN Newcastle actually be a real threat this season?
Despite a summer of wild optimism on Tyneside, plus rival clubs blocking transfers because they now fear the Toon are a threat, the evidence is patchy.
Asked to assess the first six games — a seven-point haul which leaves Newcastle a modest 11th — boss Eddie Howe said: “I’m not happy with it. I want more points, I want to win every game.”
The early reality is likely to be that it is too soon for the Saudifunded club to make a huge impact in the league and get close to the top seven. They’ve not won in five games.
“I’m sure expectations have been raised, although certainly not by me or anyone connected internally,” said Howe.
“Obviously, when you sign players for transfer fees, that creates a buzz and excitement — and rightly so.”
The case for positivity is that Newcastle have spent €230m in the last eight months on eight players.
Compared
Much of that investment has been playing catch up on past low spending compared to aspiring mid-to-upper table rivals.
Howe added: “I’d say our overall performances have dramatically improved, but with that comes different challenges because now we’re facing teams that defend a little bit deeper, we’ve got a bit more ball.
“And now we have to break them down rather than playing on transitions.
“Last season we were playing on counterattacks a lot at certain times during that good run.
“I think your strength becomes a different thing — and you have to find answers to those problems.
Reflect
“We’ll have a period of rest, let the players have some time away. It’s been relentless, so they’ll have a little bit of time to reflect on their own, then we’ll start again early next week and prepare for West Ham.”
Palace keeper Vicente Guaita had a “worldie” to keep Newcastle at bay, according to
Eagles team-mate Joel Ward.
Guaita also drew the foul by Joe Willock which led to the Toon ‘goal’ being disallowed on Saturday.
Ward said: “Look at the first half, the one-on-one, and the second half where he tips it on to the post.
“Vicente, we know his quality, know what he can do and how quick he is.
“His reactions are second to none. Some games you need your keepers to pull out those worldie saves and he did that.” NEWCASTLE: Pope 7; Trippier 7, Schar 7, Botman 7, Targett 6 (Burn 79); Joelinton 6, Longstaff 7, Willock 6; Fraser 5 (Anderson 70, 7), Almiron 6 (Murphy 70, 5), Isak 5 (Wood 90).
PALACE: Guaita 7; Ward 7, Andersen 7, GUEHI 8, Mitchell 7 (Clyne 62, 6); Schlupp 6, Doucoure 6,
Eze 5 (Olise 62, 6); Zaha 5, Mateta 7 (Edouard 62, 6), Ayew 6.
Ref: Michael Salisbury 7