It’s been a start to the Premier League to forget for Newcastle as they have picked up just two points from a possible 24 on offer. It looked as if there was to be some light at the end of tunnel after recent events at Old Trafford, although in the end that was not to be the case.
The Magpies raced into a shock 2-0 lead against a Manchester United side who have been going through some early season struggles of its own. At one point it looked as if not only would Rafael Benitez’s men get their first win of the campaign, but they would also hammer the final nail in Jose Mourinho’s managerial coffin.
Unfortunately for them though it looks as if it could well be a pivotal moment in Manchester United’s campaign, as they fought back to complete a dramatic comeback and snatch all three points in the dying seconds of the game.
A result that just adds to the despair that Newcastle have had to deal with in these early stages, and one that looks like it is going to lend itself to a relegation battle with the likes of Huddersfield and Cardiff.
Although at the same time when you look at where Newcastle finished last season, it can only be deemed as something of a missed opportunity this season. Especially when you consider the almost criminal lack of investment that has come from owner Mike Ashley.
The 2017/18 season saw them finish in 10th in the table, something that would have given the club a perfect platform in which to build on. One that Mike Ashley has decided that he does not want to utillse much to the ire of the Newcastle fans.
Not only that but manager Rafael Benitez simply cannot find the winning formula right now as he aims to do the best he can with the personnel that he has at his disposal. The former Real Madrid and Liverpool boss has made no fewer than 23 lineup changes so far.
This averages at more than 3 per game since the opening day, to give this some greater context promoted outft Wolves have not made any under Nuno Espirito Santo while Watford boss Javi Gracia has made just two.
The chopping and changing has obviously done Newcastle few favours as they cannot seem to find the cohesion required to get the necessary results, results that would see the tension eased and the mood lifted on Tyneside.
You could perhaps point to the fact that the fixture computer has been particularly unkind to Newcastle, as they have had to face Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United in the opening eight weeks of the season.
Matches which have seen them lose by the single goal each time, however it is simply not enough to be gallant losers against the big clubs. They may be free hits in a sense, but at the same time they need to dig in and start getting positive outcomes.
The manner in which they lost to Manchester United will be the most demoralising of them all, one that could have a long lasting effect even when taking on teams further down the table. If that proves to be the case, then there are going to be some dark days on the horizon for Newcastle.