.png)
2 months ago
19 ARTICLE AD
Some interesting comments from this BBC Sport pundit on Newcastle United.
Chris Sutton speaking ahead of Sunday afternoon’s game at Wolves.
A chance for Eddie Howe and his players if they win their match to be at least top five in the table as a minimum, after this weekend’s Premier League schedule is completed.
So is the BBC Sport man getting it right this time?
Chris Sutton talking to BBC Sport – 13 September 2024:
“Newcastle are unbeaten in the Premier League so far but their performances have not been there and they have got away with it a little bit up until now.
“Wolves, in contrast, are yet to win.
“They made lots of mistakes when they got hammered 6-2 by Chelsea, but created plenty of chances themselves too.
“Is it going to click for Newcastle this time, or will Wolves get it together?
“You could make a case for both teams and, whoever wins, it would not surprise me.
“The safe bet would be a draw here, and you can guarantee that is the result the public will vote for above, but only spineless people would go for that…
“Prediction: Wolves 1 Newcastle 1”
So what to make of what the BBC Sport man has said?
Chris Sutton having a bit of fun with his comment that ‘only spineless people’ would predict a draw in this Newcastle United match, only to then go for that result himself.
Of course, if you only went on the results in recent times at Molineux between the two clubs, then it would be more sensible than spineless to be predicting a draw.
Since Wolves were promoted in 2018, five of six have ended in draws. Four times the 1-1 that the BBC Sport pundit has predicted, there has been the 2-2 last season, then the only odd one out was a tame 2-1 defeat in 2021 that proved to be Steve Bruce’s final Newcastle United away game as Head Coach.
I honestly think far too much has been made of Newcastle United’s start to the season, in terms of the overwhelming negativity attached to it. Only three PL games and one of those Newcastle had to play 73 minutes with 10 men.
I find it similar to the talk around Brighton, though with them I find the levels of media positivity laughable. They played a woeful Everton (who still haven’t got a point) away in their first game and hammered them 3-0, they then only beat a very poor Man U at home thanks to a 95th minute goal, before going to Arsenal and going behind and getting outplayed before benefiting from that fortunate Rice red card and grabbing an equaliser. Maybe time will prove me wrong but I wouldn’t be surprised if they end up not anything that special this season.
Anyway, back to Newcastle United.
I do think there are some very valid reasons contributing to Newcastle having to battle for their seven points, rather than do it in style. Whether that be injuries, suspensions, players not quite fully fit and/or lacking sharpness. Or simply just starting the season slowly, as can happen to many players, especially following a summer of major international tournaments.
Whilst the likes of Schar, Trippier, Joelinton, Barnes, Burn, Kelly and others will have benefited from some rest and recuperation at home, the likes of Isak, Hall, Gordon and Tonali have all looked really good and sharp on international duty.
I also find the analysis shallow to say the least from BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton.
Whilst Newcastle haven’t had a stellar transfer window, Wolves lost arguably their two best players in the summer. The main man (Kilman) at the back and their most dangerous attacking player (Neto).
When you look at how badly Wolves were struggling at the end of last season, this look a club that could be in real trouble.
Their last 13 Premier League matches the past six months, Wolves have been shocking.
Played 13 Won 1 Drawn 3 Lost 9 Goals Scored 11 Goals Conceded 30 Points 6
When you then compare that to Newcastle United and their last 13 PL games…
Played 13 Won 8 Drawn 3 Lost 2 Goals Scored 30 Goals Conceded 16 Points 27
Newcastle United scoring 30 goals in their last 13 PL games, Wolves conceding 30 in their last 13.
On Sunday I think we will finally see something like Eddie Howe having most of the options he’d have wanted at the start of the season, plus they are now fit.
A midfield and attack made up of Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton, Gordon, Barnes and Isak, what is not to like?
If they can click to any decent degree on Sunday, then I am confident it could prove a very painful afternoon for Wolves.
Newcastle United upcoming match schedule:
Sunday 15 September 2024 – Wolves v Newcastle (4.30pm) Sky Sports
Saturday 21 September 2024 – Fulham v Newcastle (3pm)
Tuesday 24 September 2024 – AFC Wimbledon v Newcastle (7.45pm) Sky Sports+
Saturday 28 September 2024 – Newcastle v Man City (12.30 pm) TNT Sports
Saturday 5 October – Everton v Newcastle (5.30pm) Sky Sports
Saturday 19 October – Newcastle v Brighton (3pm)
Sunday 27 October – Chelsea v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports
Saturday 2 November – Newcastle v Arsenal (12.30pm) TNT Sports
Sunday 10 November – Forest v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports
Monday 25 November – Newcastle v West Ham (8pm) Sky Sports

 
