Team Focus: Newcastle's Defensive Frailties Undermining Progress Under McClaren
Earlier in the season, Jose Mourinho deemed Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City a “fake” result. He felt City’s win flattered the home side in a scoreline that did not tell the whole story at the Etihad Stadium. The term could not be more applicable when analysing Sunday’s Tyne-Wear Derby. Sunderland’s 3-0 win over Newcastle made it six consecutive victories for the Black Cats, the best winning run in the 132-year rivalry between the two teams.
Without witnessing the game, one would probably assume that Sunderland dominated the Magpies at the Stadium of Light. However, on this occasion, the final score masked what was actually another encouraging Newcastle display. Steve McClaren’s side had more shots (21 to 9), more shots on target (8 to 3), more possession (60% to 40%) and more corners (10 to 1), despite playing the second half with only 10 men. On another day, Newcastle could easily have run out winners in Sunday’s derby, reinforced in that Sunderland shotstopper Costel Pantilimon was awarded the WhoScored man of the match award with a rating of 8.63, the third best of any Premier League goalkeeper in a game this season. It was ultimately a match of fine margins, that's for sure.
Four of Sunderland’s five highest rated performers in the win - Pantilimon, Billy Jones (8.22), Yann M’Vila (8.18) and Younes Kaboul (7.68) - are all defensive-minded players in Sam Allardyce’s side. The fact of the matter is, the Black Cats were second best for much of the encounter, yet were able to secure a smash-and-grab win on home turf, much to the amusement of the Sunderland fans and the bemusement of the Newcastle faithful.
The visitors came into the encounter in high spirits after a storming 6-2 win over Norwich the previous week. Summer signings Georginio Wijnaldum and Aleksandar Mitrovic were in fine form, as were established duo Ayoze Perez and Moussa Sissoko against Alex Neil's side. It was the ideal response following the Sergio Aguero-inspired 6-1 hammering at the hands of Manchester City two weeks earlier. Yet, despite the victory over the Canaries, Newcastle’s soft underbelly was routinely exposed.
Going forward, there is a plan of action in place and a set up used to maximise the attacking quality at McClaren’s disposal. The results may not have been as positive as hoped, but the offensive personnel are beginning to buy into McClaren’s philosophy. However, defensively the club are continuously let down. Tim Krul’s injury was a cruel turn of fate and may yet hinder Newcastle’s chances of consolidating a place in England’s top tier, but even so the lack of leadership and composure in the heart of the defence is the biggest cause for concern.
As such, plenty of blame must be pointed at captain Fabricio Coloccini. The Argentine received his marching orders in Sunday’s Tyne-Wear standoff on the stroke of half time, significantly limiting Newcastle’s chances of securing a positive result. While the red card has since been rescinded having been brandished unfairly, it was a challenge Coloccini did not have to make given how close Rob Elliot was to the ball. The defender’s dismissal and the subsequent penalty scored by Adam Johnson only added to the general consensus that Coloccini is no longer of the adequate standard to play regularly in the Premier League.
A WhoScored rating of 6.52 is the worst of all outfield players to start all 10 top-flight matches this season. Coloccini is one of the most experienced members of the current Newcastle side, yet looks every bit as lost as a Premier League newboy struggling to adjust to the rigours of English football. Numerous unnerving displays this term have resonated throughout the team, which has seen Newcastle looking increasingly less solid at the back with each passing week.
No team has conceded more goals in the Premier League this season than the Magpies (22), yet the number of goals scored (12) is level with Crystal Palace and Swansea, who sit 7th and 12th, respectively. The attack is performing sufficiently when needs must, but the defence is floundering, of that there is no doubt. Coloccini has largely been at fault for a lackadaisical backline. Two prime examples came in the 2-1 home defeat to Watford, where the 33-year-old was twice caught out by the Hornets attack, charging out of defence, only to leave his side short at the back.
This does not set a good example for summer arrival Chancel Mbemba, who is still learning the tricks of the trade at St. James’ Park. The 21-year-old has shown the potential to succeed in English football, but requires a better role model if he is to improve. Coloccini has proven time and time again that he is not of sufficient standard to help bring Mbemba on. If Newcastle are to stave off relegation, the first port of call in January must be a new, experienced centre-back in order to solidify the backline.
As highly rated as Jamaal Lascelles is, he’s not quite ready to feature regularly in the Premier League, leaving Newcastle somewhat short at the heart of the defence. A majority of the Magpies’ problems stem from the back and this area is one that needs rectifying in the New Year or else Newcastle will face another battle to retain their place in the Premier League.
Where do you think Newcastle will finish in the Premier League this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below
