Newcastle’s Peaks and Valleys Define a Season in Flux
Newcastle needed that.
They have won six of their past eight games, which might sound like an impressive run of form.
But their defeat at West Ham on Sunday was wretched enough to raise all manner of doubts.
Three successive Champions League wins, though, all without conceding, raise expectations.
One more victory from their final four games could seal a playoff place.
Two wins and a draw would likely secure top eight and automatic last-16 passage.
Indeed, this Newcastle shows a very high ceiling and a very low floor.
Meanwhile they hammer Union Saint-Gilloise and pummel Benfica in Europe, then outplay Tottenham in the Carabao Cup.
Yet they can also lose 3-1 to West Ham and be grateful it was not worse.
They are both the amiable doctor and the vicious criminal, both energetic winners and lethargic disappointments.
At times they are Jekyll and Hyde, depending on night and opponent.
Alexander Isak offers a steadying presence when the chaos bites.
The problem remains right now whether the defence holds under pressure.
Ultimately, this is football at its brutal best and worst.
TLDR
- Six wins in eight shows quality, but a West Ham defeat sparked doubt.
- The team can dominate on some nights and collapse on others, a true high ceiling and low floor.
- Alexander Isak could be the catalyst to steady proceedings when fixtures tighten.
Alexander Isak
Newcastle United