Newcastle United have suffered heavily in terms of defensive strength this season.
They have conceded 53 goals in the league, which is the second worst tally. This has been one of the primary reasons behind their relegation battle. If the club fail to recover their form in the next couple of matches, there is a good chance of the club experiencing relegation for the first time since 2009. Back then, one of the major reasons behind the club’s entry into the Championship was the inability to score goals and several managerial changes over the season.
Now, however, the players can only be blamed at the poor form. Former star Kieron Dyer, though, says that the defensive partnership of Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor alone cannot be blamed for the goals conceded. Coloccini was once revered as the best central defender in the Premier League playing for one of the club’s outside the top four. Taylor has gone through several injury hit campaigns in the past, but he has always been viewed as a quality defender. Dyer says that the entire team has to contribute if the team is to do well defensively. He says that there has been a shortage in this regard with many players playing as individuals.
“They (Coloccini and Taylor) are not terrible players. When you are in the bottom of the league, you have got 52,000 people who can turn with any kind of mistake, it does knock your confidence,” said Dyer. It must be widely anticipated that Coloccini may decide to return to Argentina if the club are relegated. The 34-year-old has already received a lot of interest from his homeland. Things can get only worse for Newcastle, as they are up against table leaders Leicester City. Since they are chasing the title, Newcastle can expect no favours.