Newcastle United’s winning run has come to an end.
Indeed, Newcastle United had amassed a 100% record between winning the Carabao Cup and Saturday’s trip to Aston Villa but could not extend it.
A ruthless Villa thrashed Newcastle 4-1 in the Premier League on Saturday evening, moving only two points behind them in the battle for Champions League qualification.
While certainly disappointing, it’s difficult to get too agitated right now. The team have been on a brilliant run of form, and it just looked like one game too far for them after a busy week.
Currently, there should be no cause for huge alarm. However, swathes of supporters were worrying about an issue with the Newcastle United squad heading into the final few games of the campaign.
Newcastle United fans worried about squad in Champions League battle
Newcastle haven’t really strengthened their first-team to any significant degree since the summer of 2023, unable to spend money without having to sell a big player due to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
As such, their options remain reasonably light – particularly compared to Villa’s. A tired Newcastle saw the likes of Matt Targett, Emil Krafth and Callum Wilson come off the bench.
While good players of course, Villa’s strength in depth is much more impressive. Unai Emery was able to turn to big names such as Ross Barkley, Amadou Onana, Marcus Rashford and Donyell Malen.
On social media, Newcastle fans were making exactly that point.
“We’re bringing Wilson, Kraft and Targett on. Villa have Onana, Malen and Rashford. Outrageous what [Eddie] Howe has managed to do with this squad,” wrote one fan.
Another added: “A game too far for the same starting 11 for 3 games in 6 days, Villa far better side today, some squad, they bring on quality players we bring on Matt Targett, need to make sure it doesn’t derail us, reaction needed next sat.”
“Shades of two season ago, as-well as Bournemouth in January. Don’t rotate with three games in six days and you pay the price. [Paul] Mitchell needs to have a word. What we gain from bringing on Wilson and Targett over some youngsters I’ll never know,” read another view.
One supporter wrote: “Yesterday showed we need a squad for Europe, the starting 11 can’t cope with 3 games a week and the subs are no where near it apart from [Anthony] Gordon. Fantastic effort from the lads over the past few games but a wake up call that we need investment.”
“Villa very similar to us in terms of a starting 11, but much, much better than us on the day. They won the tactical battle and we couldn’t adapt + their gulf in quality of squad depth put the nail in the coffin. [Morgan] Rogers is an absolute phenom. Big summer needed!” added another supporter.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 32 | 23 | 7 | 2 | 74 | 31 | 43 | 76 |
| 2 |  ArsenalArsenal | 32 | 17 | 12 | 3 | 57 | 27 | 30 | 63 |
| 3 |  NewcastleNewcastle | 33 | 18 | 5 | 10 | 62 | 44 | 18 | 59 |
| 4 |  Man CityManchester City | 33 | 17 | 7 | 9 | 64 | 42 | 22 | 58 |
| 5 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 32 | 17 | 6 | 9 | 51 | 38 | 13 | 57 |
| 6 |  Aston VillaAston Villa | 33 | 16 | 9 | 8 | 53 | 47 | 6 | 57 |
Newcastle United set to be handed big internal boost
Newcastle may not have welcomed many new signings for the first-team into the club for a while but they are set to be handed a selection boost, it seems.
After effectively a whole season on the sidelines, Sven Botman has confirmed he’s closing to returning from injury for Newcastle.
That will be a huge boost. Fabian Schar struggled for Newcastle against Villa and appeared to have suffered a hamstring issue anyway.
Newcastle need a boost. Botman coming back should help.
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