Newcastle United recorded their ninth consecutive win in all competitions this season after a dominant 3-0 win against Wolves at St James Park on Wednesday night.
In what could have been a potential stumbling block for Eddie Howe’s side, the Magpies largely controlled the piece. However, Wolves were not without their moments.
Jørgen Strand Larsen struck the post right at the end of the first half, and Santiago Bueno had the ball in the back of the net with ten minutes to go. However, after a quick inspection by VAR, he was adjudged to have handled the ball in the build-up.
After results went their way at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, three points against Wolves meant Newcastle leapfrogged Chelsea to move into the top four for the first time since September.
For as long as this rich vein of form continues, there can be no doubt that Newcastle are firmly in contention for Champions League football next season.
Defensive Conundrum
Much of the talk prior to the meeting with Vitor Pereira’s side had centred around which two players would make up Newcastle’s central defensive pairing.
Sven Botman has recently returned from injury and, despite a lengthy spell on the sidelines, has shown no signs of rust - impressively holding his own against top-calibre opposition. He continues to look every bit the player who arrived from Lille in 2022.
Then there is Dan Burn, whose exceptional form this season convinced the club that centre-half was not a position requiring immediate reinforcement. This sentiment is echoed by his teammates, who were quick to heap praise on the Blythe-born defender following the impressive win at the Emirates last week.
Finally, there is Fabian Schär who could lay claim to being the best pound-for-pound signing in recent times. He is dependable, comfortable with the ball at his feet and has an impressive passing range.
Choosing between these three will be no easy task for Howe. Fortunately for him, the decision was made simpler last night, as Schär missed the game due to illness. However, he is expected to recover in time for Saturday’s clash with Bournemouth.
In the long run, it is likely that Howe will favour a partnership of Botman and Schär, as they are the more technically adept of the three. However, with Schär turning 35 next season, it will not be long before the club begins searching for a long-term successor to the former Swiss international.
In Need of a Right-Winger
With the news that Miguel Almirón may finally be set to end his 6-year stay on Tyneside, Newcastle have the opportunity to bring in someone who can improve their attack.
Newcastle's attack has often been one-dimensional this season, with a strong preference for building play down Anthony Gordon’s left flank. To solidify their top-four credentials, they must add an attacker capable of replicating Gordon’s impact and providing balance to their forward play.
While Jacob Murphy has been performing well, he is not seen as a long-term solution. Names like Bryan Mbeumo have been suggested, but Manchester United, Arsenal, and Tottenham are also reportedly in the race for his signature.
Another frequently mentioned option is Johan Bakayoko, the PSV winger. He could present a more affordable alternative for Newcastle, who have faced challenges in staying within their PSR limitations.
Bruno Turned Creator
Newcastle’s midfield setup has been a bone of contention this season. However, since adopting a winning formula with Sandro Tonali in a deeper role, Bruno Guimarães has been able to showcase his creativity further up the pitch, significantly enhancing the team’s attacking play.
It is clear that when he is released from defensive duties, he is able to dramatically affect the outcome of any game. Bruno has recorded an average rating of 7.29 this season (SofaScore), with seven G/A.
More importantly, Bruno is a key tool in breaking down low blocks, a challenge Newcastle are encountering with increasing regularity. His vision, exemplified by the perfectly threaded ball to an unmarked Alexander Isak last night, highlights his ability to unlock tight defences.
Man of the Moment
There can be no doubt that Alexander Isak is the most in-form player in the Premier League right now. His eight-game scoring run threatens to challenge the records of Ruud Van Nistelrooy (10) and Jamie Vardy (11).
He is a player full of confidence who can do no wrong. Newcastle will have to do their best to resist any advances, especially from anyone who they may internally view as a direct rival.
However, if Newcastle can achieve Champions League football this season, there is the belief that Isak could be convinced to put pen to paper on a new deal which would keep him at the club beyond 2028.
