Headed into the new year, Newcastle regained their position on top of the Championship table with just a single point separating them from 2nd placed Brighton, but this is as a result of Brighton having had their own clash with Cardiff City postponed due to heavy fog last Friday.
But they soon returned to 2nd position after losing their first game of 2017 against Blackburn Rovers on Monday. Life in the division has had its ups and downs for Rafa Benitez and his men, with the Toons having had as much as 7 defeats in 25 games, while they have been held to a draw on one occasion.
The winter transfer window presents the club the opportunity to add needed and required depth to its squad, as the battle to earn automatic and instant promotion back to the English Premier League looks much harder than anyone would have thought for Newcastle.
With the January window now opened, here are 3 issues Newcastle must promptly address during this period in order to make the most of their 2nd half of the season.
Defensive shortcomings
Despite conceding just 20 goals, Newcastle have a not-too-solid defence and it’s an issue Benitez must find a way to address in the winter transfer window.
The Magpies have lost 7 games this term and often times, it’s their backline that has fallen apart despite boasting of hands down the best goalie in the Championship. Without Darlow, things would have been much worse and to make life easier for him, the goal custodian needs better people in front of him.
Right-back seems the only weak link in their defence, and it why Benitez hasn’t been able to decide between which of Anita or Yedlin is his permanent first choice as both full-backs have been inconsistent.
Newcastle could do with a better right-back.
Comments are closed.