Mark Lawrenson having his say on Newcastle United – Sounds good to me | OneFootball

Mark Lawrenson has been discussing Newcastle United.

The former Liverpool defender speaking as the international break ends and ahead of the imminent trip to Wolves.

Newcastle United having played four matches so far this season.

Premier League wins at home against Southampton and Tottenham.

Whilst on the road, a Premier League draw at Bournemouth and the cup win at Nottingham Forest.

Also plenty to like about what Mark Lawrenson has now had to say…

Mark Lawrenson speaking to Paddy Power about Newcastle United ahead of Sunday’s match at Wolves:

“Newcastle have made a good start but they’ve been unconvincing and I would be of the opinion that that’s a really, really good thing.

“If you can be unconvincing in this league and still have a good start, it is quite something.

“Wolves have been a little all over the place and I’m not sure about their signings.

“Newcastle are in the better form so I’ll back them.

“Prediction: Wolves 1 Newcastle 2”

I haven’t always agreed with what Mark Lawrenson has had to say about Newcastle United, however, on this occasion I think what he’s said is fair comment.

The opening trio of Premier League matches were generally accepted this time, as easier looking than 2023/24, it wasn’t difficult.

Last season’s first three PL games were against three teams (Man City, Liverpool and Aston Villa) that ended up finishing top four of the Premier League.

I think fair to say that football fans will be a ‘little’ surprised if three of the top four spots this season are filled by Southampton, Bournemouth and Spurs.

Having said that, it is all relative.

The Southampton match ended up a superb three points and credit to Newcastle United, as at 0-0 they went down to 10 men and had to play a man down for 73 minutes, yet kept a clean sheet and scored a winning goal.

Spurs finished fifth last season just behind Villa, so that was always going to be a big three points if United could get them.

Whilst a point at Bournemouth is something that most Premier League clubs would happily take if offered it pre-match.

I don’t think Newcastle United have been poor, I think they have been a bit in and out this season in match, not so far able to completely control a game, only in patches.

As Mark Lawrenson says though, always a good sign when you can still battle through and get positive results, even when not at your best. That is testament to the commitment and application of the Newcastle United who have played.

Whilst also, we have to factor in the still high number of issues Eddie Howe has had to deal with, a fair few missing matches due to injury or suspension, whilst some key players were still not fully match fit, including some who ended up playing.

With only one win for Wolves in the last 13 Premier League games these last six months and five defeats in their last six PL matches at Molineux, the home side could struggle, especially if Newcastle United start playing as we know they can do.

As Mark Lawrenson points to as well, Wolves having made some budget signings this summer whilst at the same time losing their most dangerous player in Neto, plus their best defender and leader at the back, Kilman.