There’s no doubt about it – Newcastle United’s recent 6-2 triumph over Norwich City last time out was one of the best offerings of Premier League action in recent memory. For a side supposedly staving off the threat of relegation this term, the Magpies looked far more convincing and purposeful than they have done in a long, long time.

Steve McClaren’s side somehow proved absolutely ferocious in the final third via their very own brand of dangerous counter-attacking play and raw intensity in front of goal, which will certainly go some way in appeasing the recent negativity within the St. James’ faithful.

However, as the Magpies’ defence remained equally shaky and as predictably vulnerable as it has done all season, some inconvenient warning signs were nonetheless in place for Newcastle last weekend, despite the obviously victorious nature of their win against the Canaries.

Whilst the likes of Moussa Sissoko, Ayoze Perez, Aleksandar Mitrovic – and of course not forgetting a certain four goal specialist, Georginio Wijnaldum – each produced a truly wonderful performance to look back on last time out, the St. James’ faithful would certainly be naïve in thinking that their troubles are now over for the season.

Yes, each of the aforementioned names will likely go on to achieve even more on Tyneside throughout the course of this season, but there is arguably more to maintaining a place among the English top-flight than merely scoring goals.

[ffc-gal cat="newcastle-united" no="5"]

In any case, although Wijnaldum and Perez seemingly don’t arrive with many question marks surrounding their overall ability, Moussa Sissoko only really turns up when the occasion suits him – and as for the overly hot-headed Aleksandar Mitrovic – well, literally anything could still happen with that guy…

The biggest issue concerning Steve McClaren’s side at the minute, however, is the clear lack of balance within this current Magpies outfit.

The Tynesiders admittedly have their attacking options on point at the moment, but the rest of the Newcastle United squad ultimately remains a far cry from Premier League-worthy as things currently stand.

Each of Vurnon Anita, Cheick Tiote and Jack Colback have categorically failed to establish much of a meaningful partnership in the middle of the park for their manager this term, which has unfortunately been one of the major downfalls of Newcastle’s approach so far this season. To perform well among the testing conditions of the English Premier League, midfield battles simply need to be won more often than not.

Yet whilst McClaren’s centre midfielders by no means represent a trio well-versed in aiding their teammates in attack or at patrolling the space in front of their back-four, Newcastle’s last line of defence eventually must go down as the biggest worry surrounding the Magpies this season. There just isn’t enough defensive quality on offer at St. James’ for the fans to justifiably remain assured this term.

No matter which way even the most optimistic Newcastle fan would see fit to survey the situation, Fabricio Coloccini is no longer able to do the business in the English top-flight on a consistent enough basis. He simply fails to resemble the capable defender he once proved just a few short seasons ago.

Daryl Janmaat isn’t exactly defensively reliable either despite his admirable qualities when providing attacks in the final third, the likes of Paul Dummett and Massadio Haidara seemingly produce errors with every passing match – and although young Chancel Mbemba has certainly proved decent so far this term – a certain Mike Williamson is still waiting in the wings should a few critical injuries occur among the Newcastle back-line this season.

The St. James’ faithful therefore have more than enough to be worried about as the rest of the 2015/16 campaign plays out. There is certainly a great amount of promise available among Steve McClaren’s current ranks, just not enough of it throughout the entirety of his starting XI.

As there are arguably three worse sides still operating within the Premier League at the minute however, perhaps the Magpies will eventually stave off the threat of relegation well and truly in the end. The 2015/16 season is bound to produce its fair share of further frustration for the Newcastle fans though, despite the understandable sense of renewed positivity that has recently emerged on Tyneside.

[ad_pod id='ffc-survey' align='center']

[ad_pod id='writeforus' align='center']