Eddie Howe has overseen one of the most impressive transformations in modern Premier League history since arriving at Newcastle United.
He inherited a side fighting relegation and reshaped it into one defined by intensity, physical dominance, and emotional energy.
The Toon became one of the most challenging teams to face in the league, capable of overwhelming opponents through aggression, duels, and relentless momentum, particularly at St. James’ Park.
However, as the current season has unfolded, Newcastle’s performances have become increasingly uneven.
Their attacking output remains strong and, on many occasions, spectacular.
Scoring goals has not been the issue.
The problem lies at the other end of the pitch.
Newcastle are conceding too frequently, and, more importantly, in similar ways.
This Newcastle United tactical analysis examines Newcastle Uniteds goals conceded this season, not through isolated mistakes or individual errors, but through recurring structural patterns.
By analysing where goals are coming from and the phases of play in which they occur, a clearer picture emerges of why Newcastle are struggling to win games consistently this season.
Newcastle United Statistical Profile
Across 27 Premier League goals conceded, Newcastle United’s defensive record shows a clear pattern in how they are punished.
They have conceded 10 goals from set-pieces, whether in the first or second phase; a further nine have come from defensive transitions and turnovers.
In total, 19 goals conceded, around 70%, have arrived either from set-piece situations or immediately after possession has been lost.
This profile is significant because it immediately reframes the discussion.
Patient possession sides are not slowly breaking down Newcastle regularly.
They are not conceding wave after wave of crosses or being pinned deep for long spells.
Instead, the majority of goals arrive in moments of instability, such as following turnovers in build-up, or during chaotic second phases where organisation briefly collapses.
The low number of goals conceded from open-play crosses is particularly revealing.
Newcastle are often described as vulnerable to wide deliveries, yet the data does not support this narrative.
The real danger emerges before teams even reach crossing positions.
Problems tend to occur when Newcastle fail to reset after losing the ball or after partially defending a dead-ball situation.
The goals conceded from settled possession represent a secondary issue rather than a primary one.
When teams are allowed to establish prolonged possession, Newcastle can struggle to apply consistent pressure on the ball, particularly through central areas.
This allows opponents to dictate tempo and move Newcastle’s defensive block laterally.
However, these situations account for a far smaller proportion of goals conceded than transitions and second phases, reinforcing the idea that Newcastle’s core issue is not defending structure, but defending moments.
Newcastle United Rest Defence & The Cost Of Attacking Chaos
The most significant structural problem facing Newcastle United this season is their rest defence.
When Newcastle lose possession during build-up or attacking phases, they are often exposed, particularly in wide channels and half-spaces.
This vulnerability has been repeatedly punished through counterattacks and quick vertical passes into space.
Newcastle United are in a controlled build-up phase here, but there’s no real rest defence in place behind the ball.
When possession is lost, the structure collapses instantly, and there’s no pressure on the first forward action.
One vertical pass ta
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