Newcastle United: Matthias Jaissle Under Pressure After Villa Defeat
Matthias Jaissle is facing mounting pressure at Newcastle United after three defeats in their last four Premier League matches. Sky Sports News' Keith Downie examines the issues and what the manager must fix ahead of Sunday's crucial trip to Crystal Palace.
- Pressure mounts: Newcastle have lost three of their last four Premier League games, slipping to 11th in the table.
- Crucial fixture: Sunday's trip to Crystal Palace is described as "absolutely crucial" for Jaissle.
- Defensive concerns: Newcastle are at the bottom of the table for shots against and xG against.
- Fan unrest: Boos were heard at full-time after the 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa at St James' Park.
- Injury crisis: Dan Burn, Joelinton, Anthony Elanga, Amar Dedic, Tino Livramento and Jacob Ramsey have all been sidelined.
- Next match: Crystal Palace vs Newcastle United, Sunday, Premier League.
What was said
"For me, he is trying to put square pegs into round holes to put a team together within his identity. But I'm not certain he has the players at his disposal to play the way he wants at this moment in time."
"Newcastle are right at the bottom of the table when it comes to shots against and xG against and that must be a concern for the manager."
"It feels like Jaissle needs a couple of wins to quieten down the noise in certain areas on Tyneside."
Downie's assessment is blunt: Jaissle's preferred "vertical" style is not working with the current squad. The manager has been forced to deploy players out of position, and the results have suffered. The reporter believes a more pragmatic approach is needed to steady the ship.
The numbers
- Newcastle have lost three of their last four Premier League games.
- The Magpies sit 11th in the table.
- They conceded four goals to newly promoted Coventry, who had scored just once in their opening five Premier League games.
- Newcastle are bottom of the league for shots against and expected goals against (xG against).
Injury and availability
Jaissle has had to contend with an early-season injury crisis. Dan Burn, Joelinton, Anthony Elanga, Amar Dedic, Tino Livramento and Jacob Ramsey are among those who have been on the sidelines. Some have now returned and need to be reintegrated while building up fitness. Dedic, who started the season impressively before his injury, is expected to return to the starting line-up at Palace.
Why Jaissle must change his midfield to save Newcastle's season
Downie identifies the midfield as the root of Newcastle's defensive problems. The two-man midfield is being overrun, leaving the defence exposed. Nico Gonzalez, a £50m summer signing from Manchester City, has been "engulfed by opposition midfielders" and needs support. Playing an extra midfielder—a 4-3-3 familiar from the Howe era—would make Newcastle harder to beat and give Gonzalez the platform to show his quality.
Up front, Yoane Wissa has been used as a No 10 and even as a No 8, while Joe Willock has been deployed as a No 6 and new £51m signing Mathias Fernandez-Pardo as a No 9. Downie argues all three are out of position. Fernandez-Pardo, in particular, is struggling for confidence and would be more comfortable on the left of a front three. Getting him into his natural role could unlock Newcastle's attack.
At the back, Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw have come in for criticism, but Downie points out they have had little protection from a threadbare midfield. The return of Amar Dedic at right-back should help, while Lukas Hornicek has shown promise in goal despite a couple of costly mistakes. Newcastle need their £70m worth of new signings—Bazoumana Toure and Aladji Bamba—to get up to speed quickly; neither has started a Premier League game yet.
Talking points
- Should Jaissle abandon his vertical style and switch to a 4-3-3 to stabilise the team? Downie thinks an extra midfielder is essential to stop the rot.
- Is it fair to criticise Botman and Thiaw when the midfield offers so little protection? The pair have been exposed by a lack of cover.
- Why were Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba left on the bench against Villa? The decision baffled the Geordie faithful as Wissa was moved to midfield.
- Can Jaissle survive if Newcastle lose at Crystal Palace? The mood is turning, and a couple of wins are needed to quieten the noise.
What happens next
Newcastle travel to Crystal Palace on Sunday in a match Downie describes as "absolutely crucial". A win would ease the pressure and buy Jaissle time to implement his ideas; a defeat would intensify the scrutiny and leave the Magpies looking over their shoulder. With the injury list easing, the manager has the chance to field a more balanced side—but he must show flexibility.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Matthias Jaissle under pressure at Newcastle?
Newcastle have lost three of their last four Premier League games and are 11th in the table. They are also bottom for shots against and xG against, and fans booed the team off after the Aston Villa defeat.
What is Newcastle's next match and why is it important?
Newcastle travel to Crystal Palace on Sunday. Sky Sports' Keith Downie says the trip to Selhurst Park is "absolutely crucial" for Jaissle.
Which Newcastle players are out of position under Jaissle?
According to the source, Yoane Wissa has been used as a No 10 and even a No 8, Joe Willock as a No 6, and new signing Mathias Fernandez-Pardo as a No 9—all away from their natural roles.
Related Articles
Filed under: Manager News | LA Premier League Home
