Newcastle United are in trouble, and the sense of urgency around St James’ Park is stronger than at any point in the Saudi-backed era. After back-to-back Premier League defeats, a nervous tension has settled over Tyneside.
Supporters who were dreaming of another European push are now looking at the table and wondering how a team with this much investment and talent has slipped so quickly.
The hangover from a chaotic summer transfer window is real, but many believe that does not excuse the performances that have followed.
Brentford exposed Newcastle badly at the weekend. What stung the most was that Brentford themselves have gone through a painful rebuild: losing their manager, their captain and their two biggest goal threats.
They had every reason to struggle, yet it was Newcastle who looked like the team still searching for their identity. That has led to fingers being pointed everywhere at Eddie Howe, at recruitment, at tactics and at the relentless fixture list.
But as the old saying goes, doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting new results is pointless. Something has to change, and quickly.
There is now a real argument for Eddie Howe to rethink his trusted 4-3-3 system and introduce a new shape that can reset the season before it slips away completely.
A switch to a 4-4-1-1 or 4-2-3-1 could be the spark Newcastle desperately needs. Some big names would have to be rotated, and some new signings pushed into more influential roles, but bold decisions may be the only way forward.
What stands out most about this potential system is that it brings balance to a team that is currently struggling in every department. Injuries have played a part, but so has hesitation, lack of confidence and the absence of a clear structure.
A new shape could unlock players who have not shown their best yet, protect those who are being overworked and restore control in the midfield something Newcastle have been lacking all season.
One of the biggest boosts for Howe is the return of Yoane Wissa, the club’s expensive summer signing who has not kicked a ball yet due to injury.
His arrival could completely transform Newcastle’s attack, especially when paired with Nick Woltemade, who has managed to impress despite receiving almost no service. Playing Woltemade just behind the striker allows Newcastle to use his intelligence, movement and link-up play much more effectively.
On the flanks, Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga both need a lift. Gordon has struggled through a hip problem, and while his work rate has remained high, his sharpness has dipped.
Elanga, a £55m signing, has not yet shown the explosiveness that many expected when he arrived. A more structured system may help him settle. In the centre of midfield, Newcastle’s entire season depends on Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali.
When they play together in a double pivot, the team looks far more secure. Tonali has been the club’s best player since Isak’s exit, and Bruno never hides from responsibility, even during difficult spells.
Defensively, Newcastle also need stability. Tino Livramento’s injury exposed how important he is to Howe’s plans. Without him, the right side has struggled badly. The return of Sven Botman alongside Malick Thiaw gives Newcastle the chance to rebuild a solid pairing.
Thiaw, signed for £30m, has arguably been the bargain of the season. On the left, Lewis Hall finally gets a chance due to Dan Burn’s suspension, and he has looked promising every time he has stepped onto the pitch.
And at the back, Nick Pope remains the club’s finest shot-stopper. Aaron Ramsdale has put pressure on him with some strong performances, but Pope is still the one you trust when the team is under siege.
Here is the proposed new Newcastle United line-up that could help save the season:
Newcastle United Proposed XI
- GK – Nick Pope
- RB – Tino Livramento
- CB – Malick Thiaw
- CB – Sven Botman
- LB – Lewis Hall
- RM – Anthony Elanga
- CM – Bruno Guimarães
- CM – Sandro Tonali
- LM – Anthony Gordon
- AM – Nick Woltemade
- ST – Yoane Wissa
This lineup brings together the club’s strongest players in roles that suit their strengths. It adds balance, pace, creativity, energy and most importantly a focal point up front. It gives Woltemade support, gives Tonali the control he needs, and brings back defensive solidity.
Whether Howe is willing to rip up his long-trusted plan remains to be seen, but if Newcastle are going to revive their season, bold decisions like this may be the only way forward.
