Matthias Jaissle's first home game in charge of Newcastle United didn't go to plan, as the Magpies conceded early, within four minutes. Despite Malick Thiaw's equaliser, they failed to go on and win the game, conceding a late winner to Bayer Leverkusen's Victor Boniface.
Concerns continue to grow, with Newcastle looking seriously underprepared for their opening match of the season against Liverpool on August 23rd.
Despite positive outings from Yoane Wissa and Mason Miley, multiple issues were still apparent in their 2-1 defeat.
Yoane Wissa looking confident ahead of the new season
Pre-season has been good for Wissa, who has reached his true potential. He scored both goals in the win against Valencia, had chances against Everton, and impressed in his outing against Leverkusen.
He looked by far Newcastle's most creative player on that pitch when playing in behind Nick Woltemade, as he managed to link up play and create a few passes that could lead to chances.
He is ready for combat and to prove his worth to the team and the new manager, looking ready for the new season. The only question is whether he should be played as a No.10 rather than up front, in an area where Newcastle need goals.
Nick Woltemade puzzle has no missing piece in sight
The curious case of Woltemade will carry over from last season; he is struggling as the man up top. He isn't able to move quickly enough with the ball at his feet, nor can he release it in time.
There were instances on the touchline when Jaissle demanded that Woltemade release it and get it to someone. He had one chance all game, and it was a poorly taken shot, making it an easy save for Mark Flekken.
He can't play as a No.10 based on last season's evidence, and he isn't quick enough to be the goal threat Newcastle need unless they change their entire system to suit him, which is unlikely.
Jaissle has only just come into the job, but he has to deal with one of the lingering issues that followed Newcastle throughout last season.
Plus, with Jaissle's system requiring pace up top, it puts into question whether he makes the starting lineup for Liverpool.
Lack of creativity a glaring problem
For most of the second half, Newcastle dropped into almost a 4-4-2, with barely any attacking effort, until they went behind again and then created positive movement, getting a few chances.
The problem with that is they don't have players who can provide that extra attacking support, who can provide weighted passes and break through defensive lines. Wissa did okay at that, but then it comes down to who the ST is.
Now, whilst Harvey Barnes is a great goalscorer and can be a player to bail Newcastle out, he struggles to link up with the attack, not to mention that some of his performances have been hit-and-miss.
Elanga had a positive World Cup, but in their last two pre-season games, he hasn't hit the ground running, despite the positive efforts he has shown in training.
Bazoumana Toure has shown good potential, but it's a matter of receiving the ball at the end of his deliveries into the box. They are sometimes too flat and allow themselves to be pressured.
It is a matter of playing with quickness, linking up, and playing without fear, taking risks and getting chances off; that was seen in the final stretch of the Leverkusen game and in the opening minutes against Everton, but it needs to be consistent.
Mason Miley poised for Premier League football
It was a good outing for both Miley brothers, Mason Miley in particular, who started at RB for Newcastle. He left quite the impression on his manager, who said,
"This is the attitude we need. Really suffering until the tank is empty."
The 17-year-old and younger brother of Lewis came off with cramp but did quite the job at RB, putting in a strong defensive effort and showing grit and a desire to compete, earning such positive praise from his manager.
At some stage this season, he will get a chance to play in a Premier League game, so don't be too surprised if he does make an appearance, although he shouldn't be a right-back option; it's best if he continues to develop in midfield and grow into a versatile player much like his older brother did last season.
But he was tenacious in his defending, made a good few blocks in between, and showed good positioning, whilst being up for the physical battles too. He has certainly put himself into the conversation of earning more game time this upcoming season.
