Are Newcastle stuttering at just the wrong time? Or could the manner of Saturday's 2-0 defeat against Liverpool end up 'igniting the fires' - just like the reverse fixture at Anfield back in August?
Eddie Howe will certainly take heart from his side's response after going down to 10 men midway through the first half at St James' Park. Nick Pope's red card ended up galvanising the group despite the two-goal deficit and the Magpies ultimately had a host of chances to get back into the game. Allan Saint-Maximin and Dan Burn both hit the crossbar before half-time; Alexander Isak fired over from inside the box on the turn after the break; Fabian Schar headed wide before the hour mark; and substitute Callum Wilson was denied by Alisson late on.
Newcastle's failure to take those opportunities was indicative of a side who have only scored nine goals in their last 11 games in all competitions. That lack of composure in front of goal comes at a time when this team have won just one of their last seven league games and failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last four matches. These are not exactly ideal numbers before facing in-form Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
