Seven home defeats already – can Newcastle turn the tide? They’ve now lost 16 of their last 18 league games after conceding first, the worst home record in 2026.
The bleak numbers keep piling up.
They haven’t kept a clean sheet in 14 consecutive home league matches, a club record.
All signs point to trouble for former Red Bull Salzburg coach Jaïssle, just three months into a four‑year deal.
In my view, hiring a youthful manager and squad was a gamble that’s now backfiring.
The season looks grim, especially at St James’ Park, where the play feels flat and dull – far from the high‑pressing flair expected from a Red Bull‑inspired coach.
Newcastle sit in the lower half, with just 11 points from nine fixtures.
A transition was inevitable after Eddie Howe’s five‑year reign ended and 38‑year‑old Jaïssle arrived, fresh from successes in Saudi Arabia and Austria.
Summer departures of Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães have further weakened the squad.
Earlier this year chief executive David Hopkinson claimed the club could be debating world‑top status by 2030.
That ambition now feels distant as the Saudi‑backed Public Investment Fund’s drive appears to be losing momentum.
Jaïssle’s woes continued on Monday when goalkeeper Horníček let a routine shot slip, allowing Thierno Barry to tap in the winner.
He argued Barry’s goal should have been ruled out for a foul on Fabian Schär, yet admitted his side lacked the courage to fight back.
“It feels like a negative spiral,” he said, adding his displeasure with the referee’s call.
“We failed to deliver over the full 90 minutes. It wasn’t our game, nor our style.”
“That frustration is real,” he added. “If you can’t perform when it matters, you don’t merit victory.”
“We weren’t bold in possession, resorting to too many long balls,” he reflected.
Jaïssle confessed the squad is losing belief amid the dreadful run.
“Confidence is low, not just among the youngsters but also the veterans,” he observed.
“It’s a tough phase. Unity is key, yet despite hard work the result fell short.”
“We’ll dissect the performance and aim to improve before facing Fulham. Can they bounce back?”