In their new change kit, Newcastle United were the ‘shrinking violets’ during a 3-1 defeat by Everton at Murrayfield.
The loss raises serious questions over the squad’s readiness for the Premier League season, with new boss Matthias Jaissle having inherited a group lacking leadership as well as quality in key areas.
David Moyes’ side were the deserved winners after goals from Thierno Barry, Iliman Ndiaye and Tyrique George settled a contest in which the Toffees showed more control and composure. Harvey Barnes fired a late reply for the Magpies.
Here, our chief footballer reporter Craig Hope brings you his four big takeaways for Newcastle to consider…
NEW FACES NEEDED
This was not a ‘reality check’ for Newcastle, because the reality of their situation was already blindingly obvious. They have lost four of their best and most experienced players this summer and head coach Eddie Howe said he could not continue on the eve of pre-season.
Here, it was not just holes in Newcastle’s XI that were exposed, but the depth of their squad looks alarmingly shallow. They need two full-backs, better midfielders and a fresh spark in attack. The danger for Jaissle is that he makes a losing start because he has been left short.
New boss Matthias Jaissle has plenty to think about but the problems were not unexpected
We understand that Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba is among those the manager admires, and the club have him on their list of targets. It is not an active transfer – the 22-year-old currently has an ankle injury – but our sources say it is one to keep an eye on as the window progresses.
Baleba would be an ambitious move, but Newcastle need to be just that if they are to give their new boss a squad that is able to compete in the top-flight this term. For right now, you would forecast a season-long struggle at the wrong end of the table.
On transfers, Jaissle said: ‘I think you all see the matches. You’re also smart enough to see the needs in the squad. We handle these things internally. We are aware of what we need. There’s still some time.’
He added: ‘For sure, we cannot be on the peak (against Liverpool on the opening day). This is clear. We’re just working now for a couple of days.’
SVEN LOOKS SHORT
Sven Botman signed a new four-year contract in January but his performances since have been below the level that earned him that deal. Insiders were concerned that he looked too rigid in his movement towards the end of the season, and that worry has extended into the summer.
The Dutch centre-back is a class act at his best, but he was again at fault for a goal here and his sloppiness on the ball perhaps betrays a lack of confidence. After a series of injuries, the wider concern would be that his best days are behind him. He has a lot to prove this season. For now, Dan Burn would appear a better bet at left-sided centre-back alongside Malick Thiaw.
Sven Botman looked a little off the pace at Murrayfield as Everton outclassed Newcastle
MIDFIELD RIDDLE
For five years under Howe, Newcastle have played with a midfield three. Jaissle, in his first two games, has started with a 4-2-3-1, and an absence of control was all too evident during the first-half period in which Everton scored twice.
Joelinton and new signing Aladji Bamba were the pair in the middle, but the former has always preferred the insurance of two team-mates alongside him, allowing him to charge around and impose his physical superiority.
He is not suited to a more disciplined role in which he needs to take better care of the ball, while Bamba, 20, clearly needs time before he is ready to start in the Premier League. The Frenchman, formerly of Monaco, has made only 25 senior appearances in his career.
If Newcastle going into the season opener against Liverpool with this midfield, you suspect it would not end well.
Harvey Barnes scored a consolation goal for the Geordies, giving their fans something to cheer
STEUR THE POSITIVE (AGAIN)
On a positive note, Jacob Ramsey and Sean Steur were a better combination in the second half. Steur, 18, has been Newcastle’s best player during pre-season and he again showed a maturity beyond his teenage years. His willingness to take the ball in tight areas – and then keep it – is exactly what this team needs in a world without Bruno Guimaraes.
Steur apart, however, ball retention is going to be a problem for Newcastle. And when they have a defence that looks short of pace, the opposition springing quick breaks on the back of turnovers should be a worry for Jaissle.
