Martin Dubravka names two areas Newcastle can still improve in

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Martin Dubravka believes Newcastle can still improve in certain areas ahead of this weekend’s clash with Leicester City. However, the Slovakian stopper is ‘happy’ after keeping a clean sheet against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Magpies currently sit in 15th place in the Premier League and are 10 points clear of the drop zone. But it’s still so tight in the middle of the table – the Toon can set their sights on a top-half finish.

Ahead of the game, the keeper spoke to The Chronicle about where Newcastle can still improve, and what they did well against Wolves.

“We’ve shown the quality we have,” he said.

“Ok, we could probably be controlling the game a bit more, and create more chances but that’s sometimes what the Premier League can be like. You have to defend more and adapt when games get tight. We did that against Wolves and we’re happy.”

Improvements in Newcastle’s back four has made Dubravka’s life much easier

Dubravka’s first clean sheet came in a 1-0 win against Burnley back in December – their first win of the season. Since then he’s picked up another four.

This is due to vast improvement at the back. The Magpies signed Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn and Matt Targett on loan in January, who have made a big impact.

Additionally, Eddie Howe has improved a number of players who had when he first took charge. Fabian Schar has worked his way back into the side and looks immense alongside Burn.

It’s meant that Newcastle is now less reliant on Dubravka to pull off save after save. There’s more assurance at the back and it’s been a big factor in how the Toon have surged away from the relegation zone.

Now that’s not stay the Slovakian international still doesn’t make some quality saves. But the tightening of the backline has meant they have rely less on Dubravka to keep them in games.

The last time the sides met, Newcastle conceded four. They’ll be out for revenge, having come on leaps and bounds since that poor performance. St James’ Park has really become a fortress again and the Magpies will look to use that as an advantage.

Dubravka’s comments show the positive and optimistic mentality that Howe has been able to instill at the club. The desire to keep winning games and push further up the table is something we can all get behind.