Newcastle face growing scrutiny before Crystal Palace test

Newcastle United head into Sunday’s visit to Crystal Palace with pressure building on new head coach Matthias Jaissle after a poor run of results and concerns over the team’s attacking threat and defensive record.

The Magpies have lost three of their past four Premier League games, including a 2-0 home defeat by Aston Villa that ended with boos from the stands. They have eight points from seven league matches and are looking to avoid a sixth game without a win across league and cup competitions.

Former Blackburn striker Chris Sutton described Newcastle as “chaotic” under Jaissle, telling BBC Sport the side lacked creativity in the final third and was vulnerable at the back. Former Newcastle defender John Anderson said one win could turn the mood, but suggested Jaissle had been “very set in his ways”.

The concerns are reflected in the numbers. Newcastle have conceded 14 goals in the league, an average of two a game, and have gone 16 home matches in all competitions without a clean sheet — the longest such run in the club’s history, according to BBC Sport. Against Villa, they managed one shot on target, their fewest in a home league match since August 2024.

Summer upheaval

The difficult start comes after a major reshaping of the club. Eddie Howe stepped down at the end of July after five years in charge, during which Newcastle won their first major domestic trophy since 1955. The club also sold Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães, while England defender Kieran Trippier left. Newcastle spent about £250m on summer signings, many of them aged 21 or younger.

Football correspondent Rory Smith told BBC Radio 5 Live that losing Howe and several senior players could help explain Newcastle’s current position. He said the club had recruited young and relatively inexperienced players rather than established Premier League performers.

Jaissle, 38, arrived shortly before the season after success with Al-Ahli and Red Bull Salzburg, but is still working to impose his approach. Newcastle paid Al-Ahli £9.5m in compensation for his appointment. Supporters have questioned the team’s identity, while the club’s leadership has so far remained calm, BBC Sport reports.

Newcastle’s forward line is another source of concern. Alexander Isak left for Liverpool in a British-record £125m deal, and Callum Wilson also departed. Nick Woltemade, signed as Isak’s replacement, is now on loan at Juventus; Yoane Wissa has struggled for consistency since returning from injury.

The immediate test is Palace, who host Newcastle at 14:00 BST on Sunday. Newcastle then face Everton in the Carabao Cup on Thursday, host them in the league on 2 November and travel to Fulham five days later. Supporters’ group podcast presenter Charlotte Robson said fans were right to be concerned, but argued patience was needed after the summer changes. She said the club had set out to play aggressive attacking football, but was “still working it out”.