The drama engulfing Newcastle United’s win over West Ham will take some getting over.
Harvey Barnes proved the hero at St James’ Park of course and was duly serenaded by supporters when conducting his post-match interview.
Newcastle proved their fighting capabilities even through the adversity of losing more players to injury, as well as a red card for Anthony Gordon.
While consistency remains a huge issue for Eddie Howe, surely few can doubt the spirit in his team.
Still, for all the positivity about Barnes’ two goals and the team’s never-say-die attitude, there are big issues for Howe to consider ahead of Tuesday’s Premier League meeting with Everton.
Not only do injuries remain a huge issue – to the point where pundit Joe Cole suggested it cannot be purely down to bad luck – but the defensive frailty to have angered Howe all season remains obvious.
In fact, BBC Sport pundit Stephen Warnock cannot quite believe just how bad things have become on that front.
BBC pundit says Newcastle’s drop-off in defending has been “huge”
Indeed, speaking on Match of the Day, the former England defender said: “The drop-off is huge.
“This is Newcastle’s problem.
“They score a lot of goals but they concede far too many. That defence is not watertight anymore and it is not difficult to play against.
“It will be disappointing to Eddie Howe.”
Newcastle already know where they need to invest this summer
While Newcastle’s heart and character can’t really be questioned, it’s difficult to see Howe achieving anything with this defence.
Staging late comebacks is all well and good but feels wildly unsustainable.
Only the bottom three, Brentford, West Ham and Nottingham Forest have conceded more goals than Newcastle’s 51. It is a remarkable drop off since last season, during which they finished level with champions Manchester City as the Premier League’s tightest backline, letting in only 33.
Having lost Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles to serious injuries in successive games, it’s hard to imagine things getting any better between now and the end of the season.
Thankfully, the club are reportedly already on the hunt for defensive signings…
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