Newcastle United’s season has been a tale of mixed fortunes.
There had been questions over their attack in the opening weeks, with the team struggling to find fluency in front of goal.
They entered Sunday’s home fixture with one of the lowest expected goals tallies in the Premier League, a worrying sign for a side competing on multiple fronts this campaign.
Yet there have been positive signs of improvement. A 4-0 win against Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise in midweek and a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the weekend offered encouragement.
Across those two games, Newcastle scored six and conceded none, showcasing both attacking progress and defensive resilience.
Their defensive record, in particular, has been outstanding.
The clean sheet against Forest was their sixth of the season, built on the formidable partnership of Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman.
Botman, finally free from the injuries that plagued him over the last 18 months, looks back to his dominant best.
With such a strong foundation at the back, Eddie Howe’s side have not had to rely on prolific attacking displays to keep pace in the league and Europe.
But injuries have caused problems. Both starting full-backs, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, are set for extended layoffs, and that has forced Howe into reshuffling his defence.
Dan Burn, a natural centre-back, has been deputising at left-back, and while his height and physicality bring certain advantages, the role exposes his weaknesses.
How Newcastle defeated Nottingham Forest
Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest was convincing in the scoreline, but the performance showed areas that still need work.
Offensively, Howe’s men created plenty. They registered an xG of 3.28 – their highest in a single Premier League game this season – and fashioned six big chances, firing 18 shots.
Possession
51%
Big Chances
6
Shots
18
Corners
8
Passes
464
Bruno Guimarães was exceptional, dictating the game and earning a 9.4 match rating, via Sofascore.
His curling strike in the 58th minute opened the scoring while he then won a penalty after being fouled. Man of the moment, new mega-money striker, Nick Woltemade confidently dispatched the resulting spot kick to seal all three points.
Defensively, Newcastle looked solid throughout. Forest mustered only five shots, four on target, but none that truly tested Nick Pope.
The only real scare came from former Magpies Chris Wood in the second half, though it was ruled offside.
For a side that has kept six clean sheets already, this was another example of their defensive discipline shining through.
Yet it wasn’t all perfect. While the centre-backs were imperious and Guimarães orchestrated midfield, the flanks were less convincing.
Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga both struggled to stamp their authority in wide areas, and Burn’s positioning at left-back behind Gordon became a notable concern.
Dan Burn's struggles against Nottingham Forest
Dan Burn has been described by one content creator as “the stuff of nightmares” at left-back.
Against Forest, that description rang true again.
Despite Newcastle controlling much of the game, Burn’s vulnerability in one-on-one situations was visible and will surely be noted by future opponents.
Statistically, Burn’s outing summed up the dilemma.
He registered a 6.9 match rating according to Sofascore, produced one assist, and made two clearances, one interception, and one tackle. But he was also dribbled past twice, highlighting his discomfort against quicker, more agile opponents.
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While his aerial dominance and strength are assets, at full-back, he is often exposed for pace and movement in behind.
This isn’t an isolated issue. In midweek, Union Saint-Gilloise repeatedly targeted Burn’s side in the Champions League, recognising it as a potential weakness.
More dangerous Premier League opponents than Forest are likely to do the same.
Newcastle’s next fixture away at Brighton could prove especially difficult, with Yankuba Minteh expected to test Burn’s defensive ability down the wing.
Burn’s situation is complicated by his England call-up, where he will likely feature as a centre-back.
While that suits his natural game, it denies him the opportunity to gain more rhythm at left-back, a role Newcastle increasingly need him to adapt to.
The positional adjustment could even influence the way Howe sets his team up, as Burn’s lack of mobility on the flank can alter Newcastle’s pressing and transition play.
The debate is already growing among fans about whether Newcastle should look into the free-agent market for a temporary left-back solution until Hall returns.
Burn has been a dependable servant and remains a strong squad option, but in this role, he is certainly on borrowed time in the starting lineup.
As Howe looks ahead to a congested autumn schedule, managing this weakness could be as important as Newcastle’s improving attacking play.
While the defence remains one of the most reliable in the league, the left-back situation is one clear that rivals will aim to exploit.
