Three things we learned from Newcastle United vs Brentford

Newcastle United suffered a late defeat to Brentford at St James’ Park as their Premier League struggles continued.

By Liam Rafferty

'The Magpies' were beaten 3-2 by 'The Bees', with Dango Ouattara’s late goal proving decisive and extending Newcastle boss Eddie Howe’s side’s poor recent run of form.

Here are three key takeaways from the match.

1. Newcastle United Can’t Hold on to a Lead

Once again, Newcastle failed to see out a winning position.

The Magpies have now dropped 19 points from winning positions this season - a worrying statistic that continues to define their campaign.

Back in January, Howe was questioned about the idea of having a 'Plan B'. The Newcastle boss responded:

"With Plan Bs, it’s always difficult.

"If you have too many Plan Bs it means your Plan A is flawed and your players are thinking what’s next rather than trying to deliver Plan A to the best of their ability.

"We have lots of ways of playing, but within the structure and the principles of what we believe in. We have a very strong plan for every situation - we just need to deliver it better.”

Given the numbers, however, Howe and his coaching staff may need to revisit the drawing board.

Whatever the plan is, it’s currently not being executed well enough when it matters most.

2. Kieran Trippier’s Legs May Have Gone

There was a time when Kieran Trippier was a key figure for Newcastle - reliable, influential, and a leader at right-back.

Now at 35-years-old, it increasingly looks as though his best days may be behind him.

The intensity of Premier League football appears to be catching up, and he’s no longer having the same impact at either end of the pitch.

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher once said of Casemiro, “Leave the football before the football leaves you.”

While Casemiro has since rediscovered form - and there’s hope Trippier can do the same - right now it feels like the game may be slipping away from Newcastle’s veteran defender.

3. Newcastle Need Points

The Premier League table is incredibly tight, both at the top and the bottom.

At the time of writing, Newcastle sit ten points clear of the relegation zone - but also ten points adrift of the Champions League places.

That gap can close quickly if results continue to go against them.

'The Magpies' need to buckle up and start picking up points soon, or they risk being dragged into a relegation scrap no one saw coming earlier in the season.