Newcastle United, once beaconing a turnaround with that resounding 4-1 triumph over Everton, seems to have hit a snag once again, particularly when they venture out of the safety of St. James' Park. In what has become a concerning trend for the Toon Army, Newcastle have managed to drop points in five of their last eight road games across all competitions. An issue that demands urgent address as the festive period approaches with challenging visits to Manchester United and Burnley on the cards.
The struggle isn’t a new narrative in the history of our beloved club. Remember the times when buying an away victory felt as rare as a sunny day in Newcastle? Well, seems those days aren't entirely behind us just yet. Since that sweet victory mid-April, wins on the road have been distressingly scarce for Eddie Howe's side, netting them a solitary victory in the Premier League away from home. The implications of these results are clear as daylight with Newcastle uncomfortably sitting at 11th in the table.
The issues aren't confined to their travel woes either. Throwing away leads has been another crack in the armour, reminiscent of past times when Newcastle would be within a grasp of victory only to let it slip through their fingers. The recent draw with Chelsea painted a similar picture, a sharp contrast to the teams of '95 and '96, who would have likely shut the shop and danced back to the Toon with all three points.
That painful 1-0 defeat to Sunderland still fresh in memory serves as a stark reminder that resilience on the road is non-negotiable. With daunting voyages to some of the Premier League's fortresses like the Emirates, Etihad, Anfield, Stamford Bridge, Old Trafford, and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium still to come, finding a formula for consistency away from home is imperative.
To hark back to the legends in our storied annals, it’s high time Newcastle channels the spirit of those fearless squads led by the likes of Shearer and Keegan who relished challenges, irrespective of the arena. The hallmark of the legendary teams wasn’t just their flair but also their indomitable will – an attribute our current squad needs to embody as we step into the New Year.
As we march on, the memory of past victories over Sunderland will have to fuel our fire. Speaking of our dear neighbours, here's a bit of festive cheer to brighten your day: How many Sunderland fans does it take to change a light bulb? None! They're used to living in the shadows, especially of the mighty Magpies! Here’s to hoping the lads can turn the lights back on in their away fixtures too! Cheers!
Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike Alexander Isak
To Play!
