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Newcastle must use the same SECRET against Nottingham Forest”- Newcastle told to repeat the same SECRET used last two season in winning Champions League against Nottingham Forest
What Wins Titles? The Key to European Glory Lies in Away Form
What is it that secures titles and delivers the dream of European qualification? More often than not, it’s a team’s away results. While every top club thrives at home in front of their passionate supporters, it’s when they travel away from home that their true resilience is tested.
Take Newcastle United’s 2022-23 season as an example. They secured a sensational Champions League spot thanks to an outstanding away record: eight wins, eight draws, and only three defeats, with 32 goals scored and just 19 conceded. This was the third-best away record in the league, behind only Manchester City and Arsenal. A mere three losses in 19 matches, supported by an incredibly stingy defence, made their away form a key factor in their success.
Fast forward a year to the 2023-24 season, and United’s away form took a significant dip. Finishing seventh, they missed out on European football entirely. Their away record? Six wins, two draws, and 11 losses, with 36 goals scored but an alarming 40 conceded. It ranked 11th in the league, a stark contrast to the previous season’s remarkable performance.
The Need for Improvement in 2024-25
Now, we look at this season. After five away games, Newcastle’s record stands at one win, two draws, and two losses, leaving them once again in 11th place in the away form table. This needs to change, and it has to start with a solid performance at Nottingham Forest this Sunday afternoon.
Alexander Isak, fresh off a goal-scoring run, recently spoke about how the 50,000-strong Toon Army lifts him to new heights at home. But it’s the true mark of achievement to silence the crowd and claim victory on the road, especially when the odds are against you.
Time for the Midfield and Attack to Step Up
Newcastle need to improve their goal-scoring tally, which currently stands at a modest 10 goals from 10 matches. The goals are too heavily reliant on Isak and Harvey Barnes, with only Joelinton scoring from midfield and Fabian Schar adding to the tally from the back. The Magpies have struggled with set pieces, despite having a squad full of towering players.
The midfield and attack need to contribute more—Bruno Guimarães, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff, and Sandro Tonali all need to step up. Dan Burn, Tino Livramento, and Lewis Hall must also play their part. The current goal-scoring spread shows Isak and Barnes leading with three each, followed by Gordon with two, and Joelinton and Schar with one apiece. It’s not enough.
Isak, who’s scored three in his last three league and cup games, credited Graeme Jones for his recent form. Jones, a former striker and lifelong Newcastle fan, works closely with the forwards and has proven to be a key influence. His pedigree is solid—having coached at top clubs and with international teams like Belgium and England.
Tough Task Ahead at the City Ground
While Nottingham Forest’s City Ground is not an easy venue, the Premier League offers no easy fixtures. Newcastle must believe they can succeed, especially when they’re in the right mindset. The team’s balance is crucial, from the midfield trio to the wide forwards. Eddie Howe got it spot-on against Arsenal, with Willock and Joelinton excelling on the left and Gordon making a decisive contribution on the right.
The midfield trio was also key to protecting Schar and Burn, who can sometimes struggle with pace. While Chris Wood may not exploit that weakness, others certainly could. Will Howe repeat this tactical setup?
Howe’s Cautious Approach
Eddie Howe has faced criticism for some of his team selections, as many managers do. However, this is often due to his cautious approach to player fitness. He has been careful with players like Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall after their arrivals, ensuring they’re fully integrated before being thrown into action. Likewise, Sandro Tonali is being carefully managed after his long layoff, and Lloyd Kelly is being eased in following his summer move. The results will determine whether Howe’s decisions are vindicated. Now, the question is: can Newcastle go out and win?
A Chance for a Hat-Trick
This weekend’s trip to the City Ground will be Newcastle’s third visit there in 2024. They’ve won both of their previous encounters—a Premier League victory in February followed by a Carabao Cup penalty shootout win in August. The ambition should be clear: make it a hat-trick of victories and show that the Magpies can thrive away from home once again.
