Don't Be Fooled By Mid-Table

Last updated : 07 November 2017 By Footy Mad - Editor

It promises to be an uncomfortable international break for Rafa Benitez.

Image result for Newcastle 0 Bournemouth 1United dropped to 11th and although mid-table is progress from last season, the facts are there to see. We are 14 points from the top and only five from relegation.

His Newcastle side dropped into the bottom half of the table after a second successive 1-0 defeat, while the Magpies have taken five points from the last available 18.

Their first game back after the international break is away to Manchester United - and Benitez can only hope his side are not as wasteful at Old Trafford as they were against Bournemouth.

Newcastle have conceded 10 times in the Premier League this season - nine after half-time

Gayle should have scored with a header while Newcastle's early promise, after Ritchie hit the post from 25 yards and Atsu forced a fine save from Begovic, only added to the frustration inside St James' Park.

The hosts were poor after the break and rarely looked like scoring.

Nine of the 10 goals Newcastle have conceded have come after half-time - something that will not have escaped Benitez's attention.

"Maybe the international break is good, we can keep working with the players," added the Spaniard. "I was happy before the game with how we have been doing but disappointed now. It is still early."