After sitting comfortably in 7th spot after beating Crystal Palace on 22nd October, Newcastle have since scored 1 point from the following 7 games, now finding themselves in 16th place only 2 points clear of the drop zone.
It is a concerning development, given that a few of the teams beneath them have recently made managerial changes and might be quietly optimistic of improving their on field fortunes
Interestingly, Newcastle have gone ahead early in 3 of their past 6 losses, in addition to taking a lead against Southampton in the 2-2 draw in October - there is a clear pattern emerging that Newcastle struggles to hold on to their leads.
The defensive game is a serious concern, in particular, the lack of depth. Captain Jamal Lascelles hasn't appeared since the 1-0 loss to Bournemouth. In the 5th games without him, Newcastle has conceded 15 goals. He is expected to return against Everton this week, so it is vital that Newcastle capitalise on this and find a way to get the 3 points.
Newcastle will then play Arsenal away, West Ham away, Manchester City at Home, and then Brighton at home. If they don't manage to find a way to win 6-7 points out of these next 5 games (including the Everton game), they will no doubt be sitting in the drop zone by the new year.
A further hope to Newcastle's survival hopes depends firmly on what happens in January, and this of course depends on whether the proposed sale of the club goes through. Amanda Staveley seems to be more likely to invest in the January transfer than Mike Ashley should an agreement not go through in time, and it seems clear that Rafa Benitez is of the opinion that January purchases are required to keep this club in the premier league.
Further to that, if the sale does not go through, and the adequate investment does not occur in January, it is not likely that Rafa Benitez will remain at the club beyond this season.
in many ways the next 3 weeks are critical to the future of the Newcastle United Football Club, and I for one, as a supporter, will be watching closely, albeit nervously.
