After the embarrassing defeat at the hands of Cambridge United, Newcastle had managed to improve their form, much to the delights of the fans. They managed a draw against Watford after they played 1-1 but ever since that draw, they have won 3 games on the trot after victories against Leeds United, Everton and the recent one, Aston Villa.
Keiran Trippier seems to be a valuable addition to this team after he scored two amazing freekicks back to back to ease the burden and the pressure off the team. They were nicely executed free-kicks which would delight the fans. You need someone like him in dead-ball situations to give you an alternative especially against teams who wouldn't give too much away. This is maybe one of the many reasons why Manchester United has struggled lately because they haven't scored from any set-piece this season and that's shocking if you ask me.
Newcastle United has the trickery of Saint-Maximin and dead ball situations could help convincingly turn their season around for the better. They have moved 4 points clear of their nearest opposition as they sit in 17th place and they still have 2 more outstanding games to play. If they continue with this form, they might attain the 40 points mark which would see them banish the horror of relegation scrap as they seek to rebuild ahead of next season.
They played magnificently well against the Toffees and I was impressed with the 3 goals they scored, thanks to Fraser and Trippier not counting the own goal from Holgate. With the way they held resolutely against Aston Villa side that boast of Philippe Coutinho, you can expect them to draw confidence from this so they can beat the drop as they often call it.
It's sad that despite Trippier giving Newcastle United the lead and the win against Aston Villa, they had to take him out due to injury. Newcastle United fans would hope it's not a lengthy one because the season is shaping up already and this is when you need all the capable hands you can get especially if you are aiming to stay in the Premier League.
Saint-Maximin would have to step up more and produce more goals. He had a couple of chances with his trickery against Villa but his finishing let him down. He would have to do better just as everyone would be expected to put in their shift as the season is getting intense. Woods would have to deliver as well especially after his move from Burnley. He would have to deliver the goals as the point man that he is. I believe those who haven't turned up yet would have the chance to prove their worth to the team as the season progresses.
It's not an easy ride ahead for Newcastle United as they would be playing West Ham next then after that, Brentford, Brighton, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Tottenham and Wolves over the next 7 games which would prove crucial to their season. If they managed to pull another win against West Ham, the confidence would be high and I believe they would be able to cause Chelsea and Tottenham some problems too. If they managed to win 4 out of these 7 fixtures and get at least a draw too, they would be better positioned to end the season on a high as they seek to rebuild for the next season.
Cheers.
