3 Areas Where Newcastle Can Improve in the Premier League

Newcastle are 11th in the Premier League table and seven points behind the top five. While the Magpies are competitive and well organised, they are lacking in a few areas to really compete with the division’s elite. 

If Newcastle are to stabilise their Premier League form and push back towards the European places, these are three areas to improve. 

One of the clearest issues in Newcastle’s Premier League season has been a lack of attacking punch relative to their overall play.

Despite controlling territory and possession for long spells, Newcastle’s shot volume and chance quality have not matched that dominance. Often, attacks end with low-probability efforts from wide areas or speculative shots under pressure. The Toon are mid-table for their overall xG in the 2025/26 campaign (36.55 from 24 games). 

Eddie Howe’s side are generally overly reliant on moments of individual quality rather than repeatable attacking patterns. The Toon have scored 15 of 33 league goals from set pieces or penalties, while only 16 have come from open play situations. 

In the Premier League, the teams that consistently finish in the top six tend to generate a steady flow of high-quality shots and chances. As a comparison, three of the current top four, Arsenal, Man City and Man United, have created 42.77 xG or more this season. 

Newcastle’s numbers suggest they are falling short in attacking areas and Eddie Howe must try to find a better-balanced front three in his preferred 4-3-3 formation. 

Newcastle’s Premier League defensive record remains respectable on paper. They have only conceded 14 goals from open play this season. 

However, around 70% of goals conceded have come immediately after possession is lost. Whether through misplaced passes in midfield or over-commitment from full-backs, Newcastle have repeatedly been exposed before their defensive shape can reset.

When Newcastle lose the ball, the spacing between lines is often too large, allowing Premier League opponents to counter at speed. Without a rigid backline, Newcastle are left vulnerable in matches they otherwise control. 

Arguably, Newcastle’s defensive injuries to key figures, like Fabian Schar, Tino Livramento and Emil Krafth, have impacted defensive solidity. 

Regardless, Howe’s challenge is to find improvements to stop leaking cheap goals, especially with big league fixtures coming up against Tottenham, Man City, Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal before the end of the campaign.  

St James’ Park has become a tough place to visit and Newcastle have lost just five of their 21 fixtures in all competitions at home. 

Although home performances have often been positive, Newcastle have dropped points in matches where they dominated territory and possession. Two glaring examples came from the 2-2 draw with Spurs, where Newcastle had 19-8 shots, and the 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa, as the Magpies dominated possession with 61%. 

The issue again links back to efficiency and turning pressure into goals and control into victories. This issue has surfaced more recently as the Magpies have lost two of their last three home matches without scoring. 

Elite Premier League sides build their campaigns on ruthless home form. Newcastle have often allowed opponents to stay alive in matches, increasing the risk of late concessions or frustrating draws.

For Eddie Howe, the challenge is psychological as much as tactical. Newcastle must develop the ability to close games out, particularly at home, where the environment should be a decisive weapon rather than a missed opportunity.