Eddie Howe’s team delivered a disappointing performance, suffering a significant 2-0 defeat in Germany against Borussia Dortmund. The result and performance highlighted their ongoing injury crisis.

That being said, the match served as a stark reminder of how much Newcastle United must progress to become a well-rounded and competitive side in the Champions League, emphasising the need for greater squad depth.

Despite these challenges, there’s potential for them to become a formidable force in European football with additional skill and tactics.

Howe’s post-game comments underlined his commitment to improvement without without making excuses. However, with only 13 senior outfield players and Callum Wilson’s early departure due to a hamstring issue, the team is severely constrained in realising its potential in this crucial season for the Toon Army.

The squad’s lack of depth is glaring, and the forthcoming Premier League ruling on squad additions from clubs in Saudi Arabia could impact their plans for the January transfer window. Newcastle were reportedly preparing for the arrival of Ruben Neves on loan from Al-Hilal, but these plans could be scuppered.

Sven Botman, Alexander Isak, Harvey Barnes, Dan Burn, Jacob Murphy, Matt Targett, Javier Manquillo, Elliot Anderson are all set to miss the Magpies trip to Bournemouth on Saturday evening. Along with Sandro Tonali (long-term suspension) and Bruno Guimaraes who has picked up a match ban due to picking up five yellow cards.

The post Newcastle United’s squad at full stretch for visit to AFC Bournemouth appeared first on CaughtOffside.

The size of the task awaiting Newcastle United in the Champions League has been put into perspective with the sheer size of their growing injury list.

With so much more pressure and at least six extra matches against top-tier European teams when compared to last season, it was obvious that any injuries and suspensions that may arise were going to hurt the Magpies.

Another loss to Borussia Dortmund has made their task even harder given that Eddie Howe’s side have got to win both of their remaining games to given themselves any chance of qualification to the knockout stages, and even then they will be relying on other results going their way.

More Stories / Latest News

Mikel Arteta says he wants defender “respected by everybody” to stay at Arsenal amid Bayern links

Nov 24 2023, 12:19

Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal star with four appearances will start vs Brentford

Nov 24 2023, 11:56

West Ham open to selling 27-year-old ace for just £12m

Nov 24 2023, 11:53

According to Premier Injuries, their current injury troubles – they have 11 players out – will only be slightly reduced by the time of the PSG match.

Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak are both expected to be back for the Chelsea game the previous weekend, however, the news isn’t so good for nine other players.

Sven Botman isn’t due back until December 10, with Elliot Anderson the next best case scenario of a Boxing Day return.

Harvey Barnes, Dan Burn and Jacob Murphy aren’t due back until various dates in January, whilst Sandro Tonali is banned until next August.

Callum Wilson, Javier Manquillo and Matt Targett don’t even have a return date as yet, so if the Magpies were to tumble out of Europe, the blame can’t be attached to Howe or his backroom staff, because that’s an unprecedented injury list at one of the most crucial times of the season.

The post Newcastle likely to be without nine players for PSG test appeared first on CaughtOffside.

After going 1-0 down early on, Newcastle managed to fight back to gain a 2-1 lead. However a late goal from West Ham in the 89th minute secured a draw for the Hammers, and meant Newcastle dropped two points.

West Ham took the lead through Tomas Soucek in the 8th minute, and went in at halftime 1-0 up. However a quickfire double from Alexander Isak in the 57th and 62nd minute fired Newcastle into the lead. Looking like they was going to take all three points, they had it snatched from under their noses in the 89th minute when Mohammed Kudus scored to equalise for West Ham and secure a point.

Read on for our Newcastle player ratings, and who stood out for the Magpies…

Nick Pope – 5 – Pope only made one save, but did have two punches and three high claims. He made a big error for the first West Ham goal though, caught out in no mans land for Emerson Palmieri to take it round him and pass it to Tomas Soucek for an easy tap in.

Dan Burn – 7 – Burn played well and kept Jarrod Bowen quiet down the flank, making three clearances and one interception. Burn also made one key pass from left back and created one big chances for Newcastle which isn’t usually his forte.

Fabian Schar – 7 – Schar did his job defensively, making a whopping nine clearances along with one tackle and one interception. Schar also attempted 10 long balls, four of which were successful.

Jamaal Lascelles – 7 – Lascelles also contributed positively in defence, making three clearances, two tackles and winning six out of his nine aerial duels. He also contributed in possession with 64 successful passes out of 74 attempted, giving him an 85% passing accuracy.

Kieran Trippier – 8 – Trippier really added attacking threat down the right for Newcastle, getting his assist for Isak’s second goal. Trippier made five key passes, created one big chance and made eight accurate long passes out of 10 attempted.

Sandro Tonali – 6 – Tonali didn’t have his best game, barely getting involved physically in the middle of the park, having zero aerial duels won or attempted, as well as only having one defensive action in the whole game (one tackle). Didn’t impose himself in this one.

Bruno Guimaraes – 6 – Was slightly more involved in central duels than Tonali with two defensive actions and one aerial duel attempted, but was a similar story, didn’t impost himself on the game and could have received two yellows in the first half.

Sean Longstaff – 5 – Longstaff also struggled alongside the other midfielders, having no defensive actions made, no aerial duels attempted, and picked up a yellow card. Also had the least touches and passes made for Newcastle in midfield.

Elliot Anderson – 6.5- Anderson played slightly further forward than he usually does for the Magpies, getting two shots off (both off target) and completing two out of two dribbles. He also made one key pass.

Alexander Isak – 8.5 – Scored the important goals and took them well. Got Newcastle back in the game when they needed it, and could’ve had a hatrick. Made great runs in behind all afternoon and caused West Ham problems.

Miguel Almiron – 6 – Not a very productive game for Almiron, only taking the one shot off target, and only attempting one cross which was unsuccessful. He was booked in the second half too, so was not a performance to remember.

Subs: Jacob Murphy 5, Callum Wilson 4, Matt Targett N/A.

The post Newcastle player ratings: Isak shines as Newcastle drop points appeared first on CaughtOffside.

It’s been one of the most outstanding transfer windows for years, and if things had been different, one Newcastle star would’ve been on his way to Man United.

The Red Devils had a clear need for a left-back after Luke Shaw picked up a long-term injury, with Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella heavily linked before Tottenham’s Sergio Reguilon was confirmed on Deadline Day.

More Stories / Latest News

Mikel Arteta says he wants defender “respected by everybody” to stay at Arsenal amid Bayern links

Nov 24 2023, 12:19

Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal star with four appearances will start vs Brentford

Nov 24 2023, 11:56

West Ham open to selling 27-year-old ace for just £12m

Nov 24 2023, 11:53

Earlier in the window, Matt Targett was considered by Man United, though ultimately overlooked.

“I was speaking to agents and one name being thrown around in regards to Man United was Matt Targett,” Daily Mail journalist, Craig Hope, said on The Mail’s Transfer Deadline live stream.

“They were bringing together a list of left-backs available out there and Targett is down the pecking order, but he won’t be allowed to go this window we understand.”

The post Video: Newcastle ace was considered by Man United in this window appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle United have enjoyed another good transfer window this summer, securing the likes of Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall.

Eddie Howe’s nous in the transfer market and the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) willingness to allow their manager to get on with things has ensured a successful and harmonious relationship to this point.

Each new member of the squad appears to have settled in perfectly, as have many of Howe’s previous new signings, which speaks of a manager, board and backroom staff totally in tune with each other.

Diligent and well thought out purchases will almost always prove to be good buys, though it does raise the prospect of a number of sales given that the Newcastle squad will now be looking a little top heavy.

More Stories / Latest News

Mikel Arteta says he wants defender “respected by everybody” to stay at Arsenal amid Bayern links

Nov 24 2023, 12:19

Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal star with four appearances will start vs Brentford

Nov 24 2023, 11:56

West Ham open to selling 27-year-old ace for just £12m

Nov 24 2023, 11:53

As The Talk of the Toon suggest, there could be as many as five current first-team squad members on their way out of St. James’ Park before the 11pm deadline on September 1.

Ryan Fraser, Jeff Hendrick, Isaac Hayden, Javier Manquillo and Matt Targett are all mentioned as possible departures.

With the first three not training with the main group and out of Howe’s plans entirely according to the outlet, it makes sense for them to look for alternative employment.

For Manquillo and Targett, they’re no longer first choices and also may consider it more worthwhile to leave in order to get more minutes.

The post Five Newcastle players could leave the club before deadline day appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Life at St. James’ Park has been pretty special during the 2022/23 season, notwithstanding Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final failure against Man United, and an unexpected 3-0 humbling at Villa Park on Saturday.

The latter result could well have put the cat amongst the pigeons in terms of Champions League qualification, with pressure now possibly being Eddie Howe’s worst enemy as he attempts to guide his young side to the promised land.

The Magpies have eight games left to play in this Premier League campaign, but have three clubs within six points of them.

If Brighton were to win their games in hand, that would be four that will be breathing down Newcastle’s necks, and we we saw way back in the 90s when they were streaking clear, the pressure was the one thing which eventually derailed their title tilt.

In any event, it hasn’t all been sweetness and light for everyone involved with the club, and journalist, Dean Jones, believes that one summer signing may already be regretting moving to Tyneside.

“I think there’s probably a decision there for (Matt) Targett to make and to understand how he fits into the forward project,” he said to Give Me Sport.

“It’s probably not what he was expecting, to be on the bench as much as he is now.

“I still think Howe likes him. I’m just not sure that Targett is of the level that Newcastle are now pushing towards, which is Champions League football, ultimately, even Europa League football.”

More Stories / Latest News

Mikel Arteta says he wants defender “respected by everybody” to stay at Arsenal amid Bayern links

Nov 24 2023, 12:19

Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal star with four appearances will start vs Brentford

Nov 24 2023, 11:56

West Ham open to selling 27-year-old ace for just £12m

Nov 24 2023, 11:53

Given that Kieran Tierney might well arrive on Tyneside this summer per The Telegraph (subscription required), that suggests that Targett could be surplus to requirements in any event or a back-up let-back at best.

A lack of games generally leaves players short on confidence too, so a move away might be best for all parties.

The post Journalist hints that summer signing may already not be too happy with life at Newcastle appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle could sell Matt Targett despite only joining the club this year.

The former Aston Villa man was brought in before Newcastle signed Dan Burn, and the latter has become Eddie Howe’s first choice left-back.

Speaking to Football Insider, pundit Noel Whelan has suggested we could see Newcastle bring in a top-quality left-back in January, which could spell the end of Targett’s short tenure.

More Stories / Latest News

Mikel Arteta says he wants defender “respected by everybody” to stay at Arsenal amid Bayern links

Nov 24 2023, 12:19

Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal star with four appearances will start vs Brentford

Nov 24 2023, 11:56

West Ham open to selling 27-year-old ace for just £12m

Nov 24 2023, 11:53

“Yeah, for sure. That’s one area of the pitch they’ll look at and want to make a bit stronger. They’ve got [Kieran] Trippier on the other side, who is a top-quality, international player. Dan Burn isn’t a natural option at left-back. Matt Targett has been consistent, but he hasn’t set the world alight,” said Whelan.

The post Newcastle now ready to sell player who joined just six months ago appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle summer signing Matt Targett will reportedly be feeling frustrated with how it’s gone for him at St James’ Park.

The left-back joined on loan from Aston Villa midway through last season and made a good start in Eddie Howe’s side before making his move permanent in the summer.

Now, however, he’s barely featured, and Dean Jones admits there could now be some doubt over his situation.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “Yeah, I think he should be frustrated. If he wasn’t, then there’s probably something wrong with his ambition and where he’s at in his career, so I’m sure he’s feeling hurt by it, as you would be when you’re not in the team.

More Stories / Latest News

Mikel Arteta says he wants defender “respected by everybody” to stay at Arsenal amid Bayern links

Nov 24 2023, 12:19

Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal star with four appearances will start vs Brentford

Nov 24 2023, 11:56

West Ham open to selling 27-year-old ace for just £12m

Nov 24 2023, 11:53

“To see Dan Burn in your spot, too, it’s not ideal, but his job now is to win his shirt back. And look, I’m sure Matt Target is somebody that will come back into the picture.”

The post Summer signing feeling frustrated and hurt with his Newcastle situation appeared first on CaughtOffside.

After recently confirming the signing of Matthew Targett on a permanent deal from Aston Villa, Newcastle are continuing to hunt for reinforcements ahead of next season.

Targett spent last season on loan at Newcastle from Aston Villa, and the North East club confirmed the permanent signing of the left-back on Wednesday, as seen in the tweet below.

?? #NUFC are delighted to announce the permanent signing of Matt Targett on a four-year deal.

Welcome back, @Mattytargett! ?

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) June 8, 2022

More Stories / Latest News

Mikel Arteta says he wants defender “respected by everybody” to stay at Arsenal amid Bayern links

Nov 24 2023, 12:19

Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal star with four appearances will start vs Brentford

Nov 24 2023, 11:56

West Ham open to selling 27-year-old ace for just £12m

Nov 24 2023, 11:53

Newcastle won’t be stopping there though, and Luke Edwards from the Daily Telegraph has provided an update on two further deals in the pipeline.

The report states that Newcastle are close to the signing of Sven Botman from Lille after a long battle with AC Milan to secure his signature. Botman would be an excellent addition to Eddie Howe’s side, providing solid defensive reinforcement.

Another player linked with Newcastle in recent months has been Hugo Ekitike, and the report also claims that the North East club are still in negotiations with Reims over the transfer. Newcastle are trying to secure a deal which allows them to spend little up front, with the French club refusing to budge on their demands.

If Newcastle managed to complete the trio in the next few weeks, it’ll be an excellent start to the window for Howe. Two defensive recruits and a young striker, and it doesn’t look like Newcastle will be stopping there.

The post Journalist provides update on trio of Newcastle summer targets appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle United have completed the signing of Matt Targett from Aston Villa after the left-back’s successful loan spell with the Magpies. 

According to Sky Sports, the Tyneside club will pay Aston Villa £15million for the defender having activated their option to buy in his loan contract and the Englishman will sign a deal to keep him at St. James’ Park until 2026.

Targett’s short time in Newcastle has been very successful so far and has already established himself as a favourite amongst the fans and manager Eddie Howe after some impressive displays in a black and white shirt.

More Stories / Latest News

Mikel Arteta says he wants defender “respected by everybody” to stay at Arsenal amid Bayern links

Nov 24 2023, 12:19

Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal star with four appearances will start vs Brentford

Nov 24 2023, 11:56

West Ham open to selling 27-year-old ace for just £12m

Nov 24 2023, 11:53

The 26-year-old played every minute of the 16 Premier League matches he appeared in for Newcastle during the last campaign and was a big factor in the club avoiding relegation this season, which at one point was a real worry.

Upon joining the club permanently, Targett said via Newcastle’s website: “I’m absolutely delighted to sign a four-year contract with this club,”

“For me, it was an easy decision to make the loan permanent after the welcome I had from my fellow players, the staff, the supporters and the owners so I’m really happy to be here.”

Targett leaves Villa after spending three years with the Birmingham club but is now a part of one of the most exciting projects in English football as Eddie Howe tries to guide the Tyneside club up the Premier League table.

The post Newcastle sign fan-favorite to permanent deal on four-year contract appeared first on CaughtOffside.