Pundit comments on the state of Newcastle United’s team.
Garth Crooks has told BBC Sport he fears for Newcastle United over the festive period.
Newcastle have taken just one point from a possible 27 over their last nine games and have plummeted down the table.
The Toon lost 1-0 at the weekend at Arsenal, putting in a determined performance – but came away with nothing.
Crooks says that he feels Newcastle’s run of form is only going to get worse as fixture congestion piles up.
He said: “The reality is the Magpies are punching above their weight and are slowly running out of gas.
“I dread to think how this squad is going to cope over the Christmas period. The games are coming thick and fast now. Players are going to have to play with knocks and bruises and put their bodies on the line for their clubs and team-mates.”
Newcastle had a strong start to the season and it is this which has prevented them from being in even more trouble than they already are.
As it is they sit in 18th position in the table, having been overtaken by early season whipping boys Crystal Palace.
Newcastle’s next fixtures are against West Ham (a), Manchester City (h), Brighton (h), and Stoke City (a).
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