Only people without courage would do that… – BBC Sport pundit on Newcastle United verdict

Some interesting comments from this BBC Sport pundit on Newcastle United.

Chris Sutton speaking ahead of Sunday afternoon’s game against Wolves.

A chance for Eddie Howe and his players, if they win the game, to move into at least the top five in the table after the conclusion of this weekend’s Premier League schedule.

So is the BBC Sport journalist right this time?

Chris Sutton speaking to BBC Sport – 13 September 2024:

“Newcastle are unbeaten in the Premier League so far but their performances haven’t been the same and they’ve been getting away with it a bit so far.

“Wolves, on the other hand, are yet to win.

“They made a lot of mistakes when they were crushed 6-2 by Chelsea, but they also created a lot of chances.

“Will it work out this time for Newcastle or will Wolves pull through?

“You could back both teams and no matter who wins, it wouldn’t surprise me.

“The safe bet would be a draw here, and you can guarantee that’s the outcome the public will vote for, but only cowards would go for that…

“Prediction: Wolves 1 Newcastle 1”

So what to make of what the BBC sports journalist said?

Chris Sutton having a bit of fun with his comment that “only cowards” would predict a draw in this match against Newcastle United, and then go after the result.

Of course, if you only take into account recent results between the two clubs at Molineux, it would be wiser than cowardly to predict a draw.

Since Wolves were promoted in 2018, five of the six have ended in draws. Four times the 1-1 draw that BBC Sport’s pundit predicted was 2-2 last season, so the only odd man out was a tame 2-1 defeat in 2021 that proved to be Steve Bruce’s final away game at Newcastle United as head coach.

Honestly, I think a lot has been made of Newcastle United’s start to the season in terms of the overwhelming negativity attached to it. Only three PL games and in one of them Newcastle had to play 73 minutes with 10 men.

I think it’s similar to what’s being said about Brighton, although with them I find the levels of positivity in the media laughable. They played a pitiful Everton (who have yet to score a point) away in their first game and thrashed them 3-0, then they only beat a very poor Man U at home thanks to a 95th minute goal, before going to Arsenal and falling behind and being outplayed before benefiting from that lucky Rice red card to draw. Maybe time will prove me wrong, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t end up doing anything special this season.

Anyway, back to Newcastle United.

I think there are some very valid reasons why Newcastle have had to fight for their seven points rather than doing so in style. Whether it’s injuries, suspensions, players not fully fit and/or lacking sharpness. Or simply starting the season slowly, as can happen with many players, especially after a summer of major international tournaments.

While the likes of Schar, Trippier, Joelinton, Barnes, Burn, Kelly and others have benefited from some rest and recovery at home, the likes of Isak, Hall, Gordon and Tonali have looked very sharp and well on international duty.

I also find the analysis by BBC sports commentator Chris Sutton to be superficial at best.

While Newcastle didn’t have a stellar transfer window, Wolves lost arguably their two best players in the summer. Their main man (Kilman) in defence and their most dangerous attacking player (Neto).

When you look at how much Wolves were struggling towards the end of last season, this looks like a club that could be in serious trouble.

In their last 13 Premier League games over the past six months, Wolves have been nothing short of astonishing.

Played 13 Won 1 Drew 3 Lost 9 Goals Scored 11 Goals Conceded 30 Points 6

When you compare that to Newcastle United and their last 13 PL games…

Played 13 Won 8 Drew 3 Lost 2 Goals Scored 30 Goals Conceded 16 Points 27

Newcastle United have scored 30 goals in their last 13 PL games, while Wolves have conceded 30 in their last 13.

On Sunday, I think we’ll finally see someone like Eddie Howe having most of the options he wanted at the start of the season, plus they’re fit now.

A midfield and attack made up of Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton, Gordon, Barnes and Isak, what’s not to like?

If they can get it right on Sunday then I’m confident it could be a very painful afternoon for Wolves.

Newcastle United’s upcoming fixtures schedule:

Sunday 15 September 2024 – Wolves v Newcastle (4:30pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 21 September 2024 – Fulham v Newcastle (3pm)

Tuesday, September 24, 2024 – AFC Wimbledon v Newcastle (7.45pm) Sky Sports+

Saturday 28 September 2024 – Newcastle x Man City (12:30 p.m.) TNT Sports

Saturday 5th October – Everton v Newcastle (5:30 p.m.) Sky Sports

Saturday 19th October – Newcastle v Brighton (3pm)

Sunday 27th October – Chelsea v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 2nd November – Newcastle x Arsenal (12:30 p.m.) TNT Sports

Sunday 10th November – Forest x Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

Monday 25th November – Newcastle v West Ham (8pm) Sky Sports