
EPL Index
·11 December 2023
Newcastle and Chelsea: Premier League Crisis Deepens

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Yahoo sportsEPL Index
·11 December 2023
Newcastle United and Chelsea, two prominent clubs in the Premier League, find themselves embroiled in a crisis that threatens to derail their seasons. Mark Goldbridge, in his analysis on That’s Football, delves into the challenges both teams face and the potential paths to recovery.
Newcastle’s recent performances have been alarming, with seven goals conceded in just two games. Goldbridge points out, “Newcastle have conceded seven goals in their last two games, losing to Everton and Spurs comprehensively and deservedly.” This slump raises questions about their ability to maintain consistency, especially with their Champions League aspirations hanging in the balance.
The lack of squad depth is a glaring issue for Newcastle. Goldbridge observes, “I think with Newcastle, they just don’t have the depth.” This deficiency is evident in their inability to effectively rotate players, leading to fatigue and underperformance. The January transfer window presents an opportunity for Newcastle to address these concerns, but it remains to be seen if they will capitalize on it.
Photo by IMAGO
Chelsea’s situation is equally dire, with back-to-back losses and a glaring absence of goal-scoring prowess. Goldbridge likens Chelsea’s team to a “Christmas dinner without roast potatoes,” emphasizing the critical need for a reliable striker. “It’s not a proper Team without a proper Striker,” he asserts, highlighting the team’s inability to convert opportunities into goals.
The implications of Chelsea’s crisis extend beyond this season, with the possibility of missing out on European football for consecutive years. Goldbridge suggests a proactive approach in the transfer market, particularly in acquiring a goal scorer, to rejuvenate the team’s fortunes.
Photo by IMAGO
Goldbridge also comments on the highly competitive nature of the Premier League, which adds to the challenges faced by both clubs. “It’s a competitive league,” he notes, pointing out that even top teams are not immune to upsets. This unpredictability makes it even more challenging for teams like Newcastle and Chelsea to close the gap with their rivals.
Despite the crisis, Goldbridge advocates against managerial changes, citing the need for stability and patience. He remarks, “I personally wouldn’t sack any of the coaches,” suggesting that the current managers of both clubs should be given more time to turn things around.
As the Premier League season progresses, both Newcastle United and Chelsea face a critical period of introspection and strategic planning. Their ability to address key issues, particularly in the January transfer window, could be pivotal in averting a prolonged crisis. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if these storied clubs can navigate their way out of these turbulent times.