Mick McCarthy offered his thoughts on Newcastle United.
Mick McCarthy believes Newcastle are ‘not earning the right yet’ in wanting to become one of the top ten teams in the Premier League as their problems against promoted sides continue.
Rafa Benitez’ men, who recorded a goalless draw at home to Fulham on Saturday afternoon, have now won only three of their last 17 matches against promoted clubs, according to BBC Sport.
A fortnight ago, Wolves scored a stoppage-time winner at St James’ Park and in August they were held to a goalless draw at Neil Warnock’s Cardiff.
During the game against Fulham, who are bottom of the table, the north-east club failed to register a shot on goal against a team that has shipped 42 goals from their 18 league matches.
Former Sunderland boss McCarthy explained the struggles a team faces when coming up against a newly-promoted side as he offered his thoughts on Newcastle’s current problem.
“No [it’s not working for them against the promoted teams],” McCarthy told Sky Sports’ Goals on Sunday programme on 23/12/2018 at 12:20 pm.
“You think when they [the promoted sides] go up to St James’ Park as well that’s a really tough place to play. You have got to get the results up there against the big teams. And if you don’t, it’s going to be tough.
“There’s one of the bottom six coming to play against you. Don’t ever think they are going to be easy because they are fighting for their lives. You see Newcastle as one of those top ten 10 teams or top six teams. But they’re not earning that right yet.”
Heading into Christmas, Newcastle are sitting in the bottom half of the table, five points ahead of Burnley who currently occupy the final relegation place.
Ahead of a busy festive schedule, Benitez will travel to his former club Liverpool on Boxing Day, with the Reds sitting top of the table.
They will then end the year by traveling to Vicarage Road to take on seventh-placed Watford before hosting Manchester United on January 2.
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