Jamie Carragher has characterized Newcastle United’s defensive performance at Stamford Bridge as “unacceptable,” as the team conceded three goals in a single game for the ninth occasion in the Premier League this season. Strikes from Nicholas Jackson, Cole Palmer, and Mykhaylo Mudryk resulted in the Magpies’ 12th league defeat of the season.
Eddie Howe’s team has faced challenges in recent months, as they are now certain to end the season with fewer points than they achieved last season, even if they secure victories in their next ten league matches. Discussing United’s display on Monday evening, Carragher expressed his disappointment with their defensive efforts, labeling their performance as “unacceptable.” “I admired Newcastle last season,” Carragher stated after the match.
“Their level of intensity reminded me of when Jurgen Klopp initially took charge at Liverpool, with players constantly running all over the pitch. However, due to fewer matches and injuries this season, they’ve relied heavily on the same fit players, causing a decline in that intensity.”
The decline in Newcastle’s form and their defensive struggles have aligned with Nick Pope’s injury. The ex-Burnley player suffered a dislocated shoulder during their victory over Manchester United in early December, and Carragher believes that his absence is a significant factor in Newcastle’s recent defensive challenges.
He remarked, “Pope plays a crucial role in this team. He’s among the top shot-stoppers in the Premier League and adept at covering behind the high defensive line and pressing we’ve witnessed. While his absence is significant, there are other contributing factors to consider.”
“When you examine the number of shots faced during matches, you see a drop from being the fourth-best in the league to 15th. This isn’t solely down to the goalkeeper; it reflects the overall team setup. Consequently, you’d anticipate a decrease in the save ratio. However, what’s particularly striking is conceding three or more goals, which now ranks as the worst in the league – occurring eight times in the last 14 games. This statistic is astonishing, especially for a team that was defensively outstanding last season.”
