It is has been a slow start to the season for Newcastle United in terms of performance.
Eddie Howe’s team are yet to really hit their stride, but remain unbeaten in the Premier League.
Newcastle United beat Wolves 2-1 on Sunday, coming from behind to go move up to third and into the Champions League qualification places.
That is where Newcastle United would love to remain for the rest of the season, but that is going to be extremely difficult given the level of competition.
However, the big saving grace is that the Magpies are not playing their best football yet. It is clear that Eddie Howe‘s side will get better, and that should worry Newcastle’s Premier League rivals.
Newcastle United have changed their training approach
The arrival of James Bunce has changed the approach at Newcastle United this season. Eddie Howe has praised Bunce’s impact, with the new performance director altering the way that the players train.
Bunce has instructed Howe to make training a bit less intense, with the view to ensuring players avoid suffering injuries or becoming burnt out. That is vital after what happened last season.
But this change in approach has resulted in some sluggish performances, with Newcastle nowhere near their best. Howe’s side have always been relentlessly intense, particularly out of possession, but that has not been the case since the 2024/25 campaign kicked off.
What Newcastle United insiders now expect to happen
While Newcastle are not playing with much intensity right now, they should be soon.
That is according to iNews, who report that Newcastle United insiders believe that the team will become more intense with and without the ball as the season progresses.
iNews add that Howe is mindful about his players peaking at the right time in the season, both physically and mentally.
New plan will benefit Newcastle in the long run
It appears that Newcastle’s lack of intensity at the beginning of the season is almost by design.
It is a bold tactic, and one that should seriously help Eddie Howe as the season develops. The Magpies are finding a way to get results now, but are clearly not the finished article.
It is a complete contrast to last season, when Newcastle were running on fumes by Christmas. However, that was an unprecedented situation with the Magpies suffering so many obscure injuries.
Now Newcastle have more players available, and they are taking steps to ensure they do not lose as many players to injury. Howe needs depth, and he used it to the best of his ability on Sunday. Newcastle’s substitutes were key in beating Wolves, as they moved to third in the Premier League.
| Position | Team | PlayedMP | WonW | DrawnD | LostL | ForGF | AgainstGA | DiffGD | PointsPts |
| 1 |  Man CityManchester City | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 3 | 8 | 12 |
| 2 |  ArsenalArsenal | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 10 |
| 3 |  NewcastleNewcastle | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 10 |
| 4 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 9 |
It was not a vintage Newcastle performance. In truth, none of the Magpies’ performances this season have been that impressive. But they have been good enough in key moments, and are going to get better.
Players will become sharper and fitter, which will result in Newcastle’s style evolving. And that means it hopefully will not be long until we see the same Newcastle that shocked the Premier League during the 2022/23 season.
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