Six 1-0s, seven goalless first halves – The stats behind Newcastle’s start to the season

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Some very clear trends are emerging as Newcastle sit 11th after 11 Premier League games this season.

On Saturday, as earlier in the week at Burnley, Newcastle United were hit by a late sucker-punch as they lost to a side they would expect to be competing with come the season’s end.

Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth were on the ropes in the opening 45 minutes but, when Newcastle were unable to force a breakthrough before the interval, the visitors grew into the game.

By the time Steve Cook headed beyond a static Rob Elliot, the Cherries could have won the match twice over.

These blows are becoming a little too familiar for Magpies fans…

Another tight contest

The weekend’s fixture against Bournemouth was the sixth Newcastle game this season to end 1-0, with Rafa Benitez’s men winning two and losing four.

It may not have worked for Newcastle on the past two occasions, but it seems clear that their aim is to stay in the game as long as possible and snatch a goal.

Indeed, Burnley – who adopt similar tactics – are the only side to have seen less goals in their opening 11 games; 19 to Newcastle’s 20.

Game of two halves

This was a fifth loss of the season for Newcastle, but they still have not trailed at half-time.

Incredibly, seven of their 11 games have been goalless at the break – as they have conceded only once – and the Magpies paid the price again here for failing to take their first-half chances.

Newcastle have repeatedly tailed off after the interval, dropping points after half time against each of Tottenham Hotspur, Huddersfield Town, Brighton and Hove Albion, Burnley and Bournemouth, while giving up two points at Southampton.

Missing a front man

Newcastle looked blunt in attack against Bournemouth, despite starting both Dwight Gayle and Joselu, with Matt Ritchie the home side’s chief threat.

This has been a familiar theme in a campaign where, in November, Joselu and defender Jamaal Lascelles are the Magpies’ two top scorers with just two goals apiece.

As, after Saturday’s games, 15 of the other 19 Premier League teams boast players who have netted three times or more, it is clear which position Newcastle must prioritise with their January business.