Keith Downie suggests three-man midfield for Newcastle
Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie has suggested Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle use an extra midfielder to improve control and defensive protection. Writing in his Reporter Notebook, Downie assessed Newcastle's problems following their 1-0 Premier League defeat to Aston Villa, which left them 11th after three losses in four league games.
Downie argued that opponents had overrun Newcastle's two-man midfield, leaving defenders Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw with little protection. He said Nico Gonzalez needed more support and noted that the squad had players suited to a 4-3-3 from Eddie Howe's tenure. In his view, a more pragmatic approach could help stabilise the team.
Downie questioned the decision to leave Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba unused against Villa while moving Yoane Wissa into midfield and sending Dan Burn up front. Newcastle next visit Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday 25 October, with the Premier League match kicking off at 2pm GMT and live on Sky Sports.
- Newcastle appointed Matthias Jaissle as head coach on 5 August 2026, with his role starting immediately after spells at Salzburg and Al-Ahli.
- In comments published on 13 October 2026, Jaissle said Dan Burn, Amar Dedic, Joelinton and Osula had been restricted to limited minutes and needed more time to regain full fitness.
