Edward asked: Can you try to explain the growing gap between Newcastle’s Champions League and domestic form? Is it that Europe is now our priority, or do we play better under pressure, or are Brentford and Brighton better sides than Benfica and Athletic Club?
Ciaran answered: It is the million-pound question, isn’t it?
When Newcastle were last in the Champions League a couple of years ago, they actually made a reasonably strong start to their Premier League season. In fact, at this stage of the campaign, Newcastle had six more points than they do now.
This time around, the dynamic has been flipped.
Having faced some of Europe’s elite in 2023, Newcastle were thrown into the group of death with Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan.
Howe’s side have clearly relished the new Champions League format. In fact, they have already beaten Benfica, Athletic Club and Union Saint-Gilloise in the league phase by an aggregate score of 9-0.
For me, though, it is about mentality.
It is all well and good getting up for a Champions League night, but Newcastle have to show real grit to go to Brighton or Brentford, as you say, and come away with something.
The competitiveness of the Premier League is such that Newcastle are now coming up against clued-up sides that have the technical ability and physicality to cause them real problems.
If Newcastle are even slightly off it, they will be punished.
