Sunday 23rd of August 2026, the day where Newcastle United fans got a first glimpse of Matthias Jaissle and his Premier League tactics against Liverpool.
Many Magpies supporters felt extremely positive about the German’s tenure at St James’ Park, and who can blame them after dominating the opposition for the majority of the encounter?
However, two 4-1 defeats in the space of three league games have ramped up the pressure on the 38-year-old and led to questions over his long-term future on Tyneside.
His ability to secure success in England’s top-flight was always going to be a tricky ask, especially with numerous players below the levels expected still on the books.
Why Willock & Joelinton are now finished at Newcastle
The midfield department at Newcastle was the subject of an overhaul during the summer window, yet Joe Willock still remains a regular first team member in 2026/27.
He was included in Jaissle’s starting eleven for the recent defeat against Coventry City, but was unable to provide the goods – as seen by his stats from the aforementioned encounter.
The 27-year-old featured for 59 minutes of the defeat, but was unable to win any of the three aerial battles he entered, whilst failing to come out on top in any of the two tackles he attempted.
As a result, he was replaced by Joelinton for the final half hour, with the Brazilian finally making his long-awaited return from injury and featuring for the first time in 2026/27.
However, just like Willock, the 30-year-old was unable to deliver the goods at the CBS Arena, which has also cast doubt over his long-term future as a first-team regular.
During his 30-minute showing in the West Midlands, the midfielder picked up his usual yellow card after committing two fouls as he aimed to impose his physicality on proceedings.
He also only completed two passes into the final third, whilst failing to create any chances attacking areas – highlighting his struggles at both ends of the pitch.
Why one Newcastle star should be axed from Jaissle’s squad
Despite over £180m being spent during the summer window, it’s clear that Newcastle are still a long way off from their former glory endured under Eddie Howe.
The Magpies have now lost 19 of their last 44 games in England’s top-flight, a record which has seen the senior side lose 44% of games since the start of 2025/26.
Jaissle will no doubt want to avenge such a record, but it’s safe to say he may struggle due to the lack quality currently available to him in the senior ranks on Tyneside.
Winger Jacob Murphy is one player who is way off the pace in 2026/27 and has proven that the club made the wrong call in rejecting two bids from Nottingham Forest in the summer.
The 31-year-old was seen as a vital senior member of the first-team by Jaissle this summer, but his performances have been far from those of a model professional.
The German has handed the attacker three starts in the Premier League so far this campaign, with his latest coming during Monday’s humbling defeat to Coventry.
Murphy featured for 59 minutes of the 4-1 hammering, and was only able to register two shots – but none of which were on target and unable to trouble Carl Rushworth.
The Englishman could also complete 33% of the dribbles he attempted at the CBS Arena, further showcasing his struggles within attacking areas of the pitch.
|
Jacob Murphy – stats vs Coventry |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistic |
Tally |
|
Minutes played |
59 |
|
Goals |
0 |
|
Assists |
0 |
|
Shots |
2 |
|
Shots on target |
0 |
|
Crosses |
4 |
|
Pass accuracy |
92% |
|
Fouls committed |
1 |
|
Offsides |
1 |
|
Tackles won |
0 |
|
Interceptions |
0 |
His 25% cross success rate from the defeat further demonstrates his inability to provide the goods, which saw him be replaced by Bazoumana Toure with 30 minutes remaining.
Even without the ball, the experienced star failed to make any meaningful contributions, as seen by his inability to win of the tackles he entered against Frank Lampard’s men.
Murphy also lost 67% of the ground duels he contested on Monday night, which has led to the supporters calling for the attacker to finally be banished from the starting eleven.
It’s been evident for a consistent period that the Englishman is no longer at the level needed if the Magpies are to achieve success in the Premier League.
As a result, Jaissle must now take immediate action and finally drop the attacker from his plans, with the likes of Toure deserving of an opportunity to showcase their talents.
