Newcastle United lost 2-0 to Manchester City in the quarterfinal of FA Cup at the Etihad Stadium last Saturday. While the Cityzens will be the favourite to win a match against almost any team in the world, the Magpies’ inability to put up a fight was a bit disappointing. The home side sealed the fate of the match by scoring twice in the first half itself.
Newcastle United will find it tough to qualify for Europe next season
Newcastle’s short-passing game often does not suit their approach
With quality attacking players like Isak, Gordon and Miguel Almirón in their team, the Magpies should be able to score more goals. Their wing-backs should be utilized in a better way and they should play more direct at times to give their forwards the chance to exert themselves.
Howe’s men have not quite been able to do it as yet, but should be prepared to change their approach for the remainder of the season.
The Magpies have a few relatively easy matches upcoming
Newcastle will take on West Ham United, Everton and Fulham in their next three Premier League matches before they take on the formidable Tottenham Hotspur on 13 April. Hence, the Magpies should look to get as many points in those three matches before they face the challenge of the Spurs.
The Magpies have enough quality in their squad to put it past West Ham, Everton or Fulham. In fact, Manchester United is the only other team they are scheduled to play, who is more fancied than the Tyneside club.
Newcastle will have their destiny in their own hands when they face the Red Devils on 20 April. Should they be able to beat Erik ten Hag’s men, they might well be able to finish inside the top six.
However, the Magpies should not look that far ahead at the moment. Instead, they should focus on winning their next three matches or at least get seven points from them. The fate of their season will depend a lot on that. As per some latest reports, Howe might get a sack before the season finishes, with José Mourinho touted to take over at St. James’ Park.