The game started off in Coventry’s favour as Newcastle goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek made hard work of recovering a through ball and ended up fouling Sidiki Cherif, before Jack Rudoni made it 1-0 to the home side just six minutes in. Newcastle responded by controlling the possession but failing to make it pay in the final third.
New £52m signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo missed the chance to equalise as he went through 1 on 1, rounding the goalkeeper but was denied by a recovering Bobby Thomas who cleared the effort off the line. Further Newcastle attempts to level the game were shut down by a robust Coventry defence.
Matthias Jaissle opted against changing things up at half time, and was punished for it, with Coventry doubling their lead through Cherif three minutes into the second half. United continued to struggle creating chances until Sven Botman’s stunning strike gave the away support some hope of taking something from the game.
That hope lasted only 10 minutes, until former Sunderland man Ellis Simms restored the two goal lead for his side. 18-year-old Manchester City loanee Stephen Mfuni added a fourth in the 86th minute to bring an end to a dismal night for Newcastle.
This loss highlights Newcastle’s turbulent start to the season following a complete overhaul of the squad in the summer.
This loss highlights Newcastle’s turbulent start to the season following a complete overhaul of the squad in the summer. A total of five first team players left the club, including captain Bruno Guimaraes and vice-captain Keiran Trippier. The club also brought in eight new first team players, with the most notable signing being Manchester City’s Nico Gonzalez.
Not only does the squad lack leadership, but it also seems to lack proven quality...
The lack of continuity within the squad, has left a "leadership vacuum" as described by Jaissle during pre-season, who appointed England’s Dan Burn as club captain and fan favourite Joelinton as vice-captain. Not only does the squad lack leadership, but it also seems to lack proven quality, with Newcastle now having the youngest squad in the Premier League with an average age of 25.
These factors can explain part of the reason why the team seems to be struggling to gel in the way many fans hoped, although Jaissle’s tactics and in-game management as well as individual player performance have also been scrutinised by the media and fans.
Jaissle’s formation has come under attack following poor performances, in all matches this season he has used a 4-2-3-1 formation with Nico G, Joelinton, Joe Willock, Jacob Ramsay and Sean Steur all taking turns to play as part of the midfield 2. Striker Yoanne Wissa is playing as a number 10, and new boy Fernandez-Pardo plays alone upfront.
...the midfield has looked very open with Coventry and Leeds punishing what seems to be a tactical oversight.
This changes from what Newcastle fans were used to with Eddie Howe playing 4-3-3, which provided control in the middle of the pitch. This season, the midfield has looked very open with Coventry and Leeds punishing what seems to be a tactical oversight.
Although the solution for Newcastle may not be this simple, player’s individual performances must also improve to get the club to their objective for this season, achieving European football.
When Jaissle came into the club, he promised exciting, ‘vertical’ football that remains in line with the club’s DNA, and so far, there has been very little evidence of this style of play. To turn this season around, both manager and players must work together to bring back the Newcastle United identity that has provided success in the past.