Newcastle United's Bad Record, Liverpool And Man City Are Alert

Newcastle United suffered a defeat against Nottingham Forest in a home match at St James' Park. (X/@NUFC)

JAKARTA - Newcastle United again reaped defeat which made their position shifted by Manchester United. Only a bad record for Newcastle was watched out for by Liverpool and Manchester City. Lho.

Striker Nottingham Forest Chris Wood became the nightmare of his former club, Newcastle. When he returned to St James' Park in the English Premier League match, Tuesday, December 26 evening WIB, he humiliated his ex by scoring a hat trick that brought Forest to a 3-1 win.

The defeat in the Boxing Day match was clearly very disappointing. How not, The Toon Army took the lead through striker Alexander Isak in the 23rd minute.

But that advantage did not last long. Forest was able to equalize and even turn things around. The hosts must also recognize the advantage of the guest.

The result made Newcastle swallow six defeats from the last seven matches. The record of defeat was also what resulted in Newcastle being eliminated in the Champions League and Carabao Cup.

The defeat to Forest made the Magpies fail to close points with Man City and Totteham Hotspur. Newcastle's position continued to decline and is now stuck in eighth place with 29 points. MU itself managed to improve its position by shifting Newcastle after a dramatic 3-2 win over Aston Villa.

The poor result was inseparable from the performances below Newcastle's backline standards. They became easy to concede so goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was difficult to do a clean sheet.

Defender Kieran Trippier admits that he is playing under standard. However, the England defender hopes the team will recover soon and rise from adversity.

"My performance standard has decreased. I have to admit it. I have often experienced setbacks in my career. And, this is one of them," Trippier said.

"However, I must remain confident. I believe it will rise," he said.

Only the downturn of Newcastle actually made Liverpool and Man City vigilant. The reason is, Newcastle will play games that are not easy when entering the turn of the year.

They will visit Liverpool's headquarters at Anfield, Tuesday, January 2, 2024 in the morning WIB. Furthermore, Eddie Howe's team hosted Man City, Tuesday, January 14, 2024 in the morning WIB and then returned to play Aston Villa, Wednesday, January 31, 2024 early morning WIB.

Di Piala FA, Newcastle pun bertemu lawan tak ringan meski dari Divisi Championship, Sunderland. Duel Wear-Tyne derby ini digelar di babak ketiga Piala FA.

Despite meeting tough opponents, Howe hopes that the match against Liverpool and Man City will be a moment of revival for Newcastle.

Even Howe will make a squad overhaul to catch up with the points deficit. Players who have dropped performances such as Trippier and Burn and Miguel Almiron are likely no longer the first choice in these crucial matches.

"All options are open. What is clear is that I have to make a reshuffle that can benefit the team," said Howe.

Followed by Howe, "Changes must be made to get results as expected. I am very sure of that. So if players know how to perform, I am sure there will be changes in a short time."

Howe's warning clearly disturbed Liverpool who were competing with Arsenal and Villa for the top position. Liverpool themselves managed to climb the throne after beating Burnley 2-0.

Liverpool's position is temporarily safe because Villa failed to seize it after losing to Manchester United. But Arsenal is a serious threat. If they win over West Ham United in the London Derby, Arsenal will return to the top.

The revival of Newcastle could actually be a pebble for Liverpool. Especially if this black and white team can steal points at Anfield.

Likewise, Man City hopes to return to winning ways after winning the 2023 Club World Cup.

Back in the Premier League, The Cityzens had to play a solid match. One of them visited Newcastle's headquarters.

The problem is, Man City need additional points after being knocked out of the top four. Currently, Man City, who is ranked fifth, has points 34.

Newcastle can be a threat to Man City who wants to add points to pursue the teams above it.