Newcastle United have placed a huge emphasis on recruiting high quality defenders in the transfer window this month.
And when you look at their defensive record so far this season, rightly so. The Magpies’ goals against tally of 43 is better than only Norwich City, who have conceded 45.
Regardless of the output at the other end, unless Newcastle improve their ability to keep the ball out of the net then the Championship seems like a likely destination.
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The likes of Diego Carlos, Sven Botman and James Tarkowski have all been heavily linked with a move to the North East this month, and all three would be an upgrade on their current options.
Having said that, though, a worrying stat in the attacking third of the field is perhaps going a little under the radar.
Since Eddie Howe took over in November, Newcastle have scored just eight goals in 10 games, three of which came in the first game when they were held to a draw by Brentford.
That means that the Magpies have scored just five goals in nine matches, and while fixtures against Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Leicester City and Manchester United have come in that timeframe, it will be a worry for Howe.
Newcastle have been heavily reliant on both Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson this season, however the latter is out until March.
New signing Chris Wood has a decent track record of goals in the top-flight, however it remains to be seen how he will fit into the system given that a lot of Newcastle’s attacks come through Saint-Maximin.
The Frenchman is the type of winger who would rather beat three men before getting a shot off, rather than creating half a yard for himself and whipping a ball in – which is the type of service Wood relies on.
Howe must attempt to strike the right balance in attack, otherwise either one or both of Wood and Saint-Maximin will suffer, and Newcastle’s recent dry spell in front of goal will continue.
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