Thiaw's promising start at St James' Parkpublished at 09:51 BST 9 October
09:51 BST 9 October
Karan Vinod BBC Sport journalist
Image caption,
*All stats per 90 minutes
Newcastle United's Malick Thiaw has made a positive first impression on Tyneside.
The 24-year-old summer signing has started three consecutive Premier League games and shown glimpses of why he was so highly rated during his time in Italy.
Across these three full appearances, Thiaw's per-90-minute numbers provide an encouraging snapshot of his abilities, albeit given this is a small sample size, it is too early to draw definitive conclusions.
One of the most eye-catching statistics so far is his 2.64 interceptions per 90, which currently leads the Premier League. It points to a defender who reads the game exceptionally well, positioning himself proactively to break up play before danger materialises.
In addition, his 4.29 possessions won per 90 minutes suggests that Thiaw offers more than just last-ditch defending. This is potentially a player comfortable stepping into midfield to take control - a trait that aligns with his ability to also operate as a defensive midfielder - and something Eddie Howe values highly in his aggressive press.
The 3.96 aerial duels won figure reinforces his physical presence. In a league where aerial dominance remains a key defensive asset, this early number bodes well. Meanwhile, his overall duels won (5.6) reflects a willingness to engage directly with opponents.
The one area that may warrant attention is his tackle success rate of 16.5%. Whether this is due to adjusting to the pace of the Premier League or simply a result of a limited dataset is unclear. Defensive metrics can vary significantly over small periods and it's worth bearing that in mind before making broader judgments.
It should be stressed that these are early days. Thiaw has only completed three full league matches, and while the signs are positive, consistency and context will tell us more over time.
Do Newcastle have a buy-back clause for Anderson?published at 15:31 BST 8 October
15:31 BST 8 October
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The final part of our Q&A with BBC Sport's Newcastle United reporter Ciaran Kelly focuses on contract clauses and expiry dates.
John asked: Is there a buy-back clause in Elliot Anderson's contract?
Ciaran answered: No, which is a reflection of the dire situation Newcastle were in when they sold Anderson to Nottingham Forest.
Such was Newcastle's predicament in June 2024, the club had to dash to raise funds to avoid a breach of PSR rules and a subsequent points deduction.
Forest, as a result, were in a strong negotiating position - not only to sell back-up goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos to Newcastle, but also to ensure the club could not simply re-sign Anderson for a set price down the line.
It proved an inspired piece of business for the City Ground club and Anderson is certainly worth a lot more than the £35m the Reds paid for him, having since become a full England international.
Though it was a wrench for Anderson to leave his boyhood club, the midfielder would not have had the same opportunities at Newcastle, where Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton have locked down the starting positions in the middle of the park.
But the Magpies have not closed the door on a reunion one day.
Howe is not one for talking about other players, but it felt telling that he made an exception last week when the Newcastle head coach said he would "love" to have Anderson back at St James' Park.
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And finally, Alvin asked: What are the plans for our older players who are out of contract next summer (Nick Pope, Fabian Schar, Kieran Trippier, Jamaal Lascelles and Emil Krafth)? And those players whose deals expire in 2027 (Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Jacob Murphy and Joe Willock)?
Ciaran answered: This will be near the top of the new sporting director's in-tray and one of the many reasons that is such an important appointment for Newcastle United.
Eddie Howe's focus has understandably been on the games and ensuring his side navigate an intense schedule.
Having already appointed a new CEO in David Hopkinson, who will be concentrated more on the commercial and business side, Newcastle will need an additional figure to look ahead and plot the club's medium to long-term strategy.
Whether it is Nottingham Forest chief football officer Ross Wilson who comes in, or not, Newcastle will take each contract situation on a case-by-case basis and Howe will be conscious not to upset a tight-knit dressing room with sweeping changes.
Keeping hold of Pope, Schar and Trippier, therefore, feels like a no-brainer at the moment.
While the trio's wages would obviously be taken into consideration, Newcastle would also have to factor in the cost of replacing such important players if they lost them for nothing.
The 2027 situations do not feel quite so urgent in comparison, given how each new contract has a knock-on effect on the club's PSR position.
But Newcastle will not want to find themselves in a potentially vulnerable situation where, say, Botman only has 12 months left on his deal in the summer, if the Dutchman stays fit and maintains his current run of form.
Will PSR restrict Newcastle in January? And what about stadium development?published at 11:16 BST 8 October
11:16 BST 8 October
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In the second part of our special Q&A with Newcastle United reporter Ciaran Kelly, we focus on two questions about off-the-field matters.
John asked: Where do Newcastle stand in terms of Profit and Sustainability Rules for January?
Ciaran answered: Newcastle should - at the very least - have a little more headroom than last January, when they were effectively unable to recruit because of the club's PSR position at the time.
Revenues are set to increase from £320.3m to upwards of £400m when the club's accounts from the previous campaign are released later this season.
Though about £100m net was spent on signings in the summer, it is worth noting that Newcastle made a substantial profit on each of the players they sold - namely Alexander Isak, Sean Longstaff and Lloyd Kelly.
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire previously likened Isak's £125m move to Liverpool to Jack Grealish "digging Aston Villa out of a problem for three years" following his £100m switch to Manchester City in 2021.
"Newcastle were out of the woods, in my view, from a PSR point of view," Maguire said last month. "But this will certainly help them satisfy the Uefa squad cost rule because player sale profits go into the equation when you work out your 70% wages to revenue line. That will allow them to reinvest very well."
Of course, Newcastle have already replaced Isak by spending £69m on Nick Woltemade and £55m on Yoane Wissa.
And the club have tended to always do the bulk of their business in the summer because January is a difficult window to strengthen in.
There have been some notable exceptions - Anthony Gordon's mid-season move in 2023, for instance - but it still feels a little early to foresee what Newcastle could do in January.
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Dave asked: What is happening with the new training ground and stadium? Are there any credible timelines?
Ciaran answered: A lot of fans are wondering the same thing.
Though Newcastle have been granted planning permission to extend and renovate their current training base at Benton, they have been working on identifying a new site for a future state-of-the-art facility for some time.
That work is ongoing so it is hard to gauge timeframes yet for the training ground or, indeed, the stadium, regardless of whether Newcastle build a new arena or transform St James' Park.
Senior figures have repeatedly stressed they want to take time to make the right decision rather than rushing into something only to later learn an alternative scheme could have had a greater impact.
A Newcastle City Council spokesman, again, reiterated that no planning application has been received to develop on Leazes Park, or anywhere else in the city, for a new stadium - or for a revamped St James'.
"If a planning application is submitted, it will be assessed through the statutory planning process, which includes public engagement," he said.
"As with all planning applications, consideration is given to potential environmental impact. Any application from the club would be treated in the same way as any other application."
Come back later on for the third and final part of the Q&A, which is all about player contracts...
Will Howe use Woltemade as a number 10 when Wissa is fit?published at 07:59 BST 8 October
07:59 BST 8 October
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BBC Sport's Newcastle United reporter Ciaran Kelly will be answering a selection of the questions you have sent in throughout Wednesday.
First up is Mitch, who asked:Do you think Eddie Howe will use Nick Woltemade as a number 10 when Yoane Wissa is fit and swap to a 4-2-3-1?
Ciaran answered: Howe likes having a surprise up his sleeve and we have seen the head coach move away from his favoured 4-3-3 formation and use a back five on several occasions already this season.
The prospect of Woltemade and Wissa one day playing together has certainly not been ruled out once the latter returns from injury next month. But I would be a little surprised if Howe immediately switched systems and started them both because midfielders Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton are so integral to how this side functions.
The initial plan had been for Wissa and Woltemade to rotate and share the load, with the former's Premier League experience easing the burden on his team-mate.
Woltemade has, obviously, had to hit the ground running because of Wissa's lay-off and the German is viewed internally as a number nine who can link play rather than a number 10.
It reminds me a little of the Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson situation when the pair were both firing a few seasons ago. The strikers rarely started together and they instead pushed each other for a place in the first XI.
That intense rivalry brought the best out of Isak and Wilson because they knew they had to deliver during their time on the pitch.
There were still occasions when Howe would use them both if his side were chasing a goal in the second half.
And having Woltemade and Wissa fit would certainly give him the flexibility to do that again.
David asked: Jacob Murphy vs Anthony Elanga - why does Howe keep picking Elanga?
Ciaran answered: An interesting question. Murphy is Newcastle's best crosser of the ball and the winger's deliveries helped Isak enjoy the best campaign of his career last season.
He has already gone on to set up goals for Woltemade and Anthony Gordon against Wolves and Barcelona respectively in 2025-26.
Elanga has not yet had such a moment, but that does not necessarily tell the full story.
The summer signing's rapid pace created openings versus Liverpool and, particularly, Barcelona that were not taken by his team-mates, while he also played the defence-splitting pass that led to Ezri Konsa getting sent off after the panicked Aston Villa defender pulled Gordon back.
It was also rather telling it was Elanga who was named player of the match following Newcastle's 4-0 win at Union Saint-Gilloise last week - the Magpies' biggest in the Champions League - after he had a hand in the visitors' opener and won a penalty for his side's second.
But Elanga did not build on that display against former club Nottingham Forest a few days later.
Just as it even takes some proven Premier League players time to fully adjust to this side's intricate patterns of play and become a consistent force, Newcastle are also adapting to life with a different sort of profile of player out wide, following Elanga's £55m summer move.
Howe even noted at the weekend how Elanga's threat "helps us in ways we maybe don't realise yet".
And it is easy to forget that Elanga, Woltemade and Gordon only started together for the first time last week.
Given the lack of training time, on account of a packed schedule, the trio are essentially having to build up an understanding by playing together.
Come back to this page later on Wednesday for the second instalment in this three-part Q&A, which will focus more on matters off the field...
'I don't want to ever stop watching...'published at 14:19 BST 7 October
14:19 BST 7 October
Charlotte Robson Fan writer
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Last time we had an international break, I said I liked them, actually, because it gave us a chance to regroup and move forward. Well, I've changed my mind. What a fickle little football fan I am.
The reason I don't want an international break is that I don't want to ever stop watching Nick Woltemade, Malick Thiaw, Bruno Guimaraes, and Sandro Tonali play football. I want them to perform for me weekly - nay, daily - because they are all so good and it makes me feel warm inside that they are in my team.
This weekend, we also built on a little momentum that we started midweek, in Belgium, in the Champions League. An easy 4-0 win there gave way to a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Much has been made of Ange Postecoglou's troubled side, but they were only one point below us when we played them and we have struggled to get the season going so far.
You simply cannot take anything for granted in the Premier League. I don't know much, but I know that.
Sunday felt like we got our season going a bit. A nice thing was that we weren't actually great in the first half, but there was a vibe shift for the second.
It was like our players just remembered that they are class and that this should be fine, and Guimaraes remembered that this is exactly what he is good at - scrappy games where teams cannot deal with his work on the ball. And, if they briefly can, Tonali will fix that.
I love watching our players work together and enjoy themselves on the pitch. After a weird start to the season, it is what needed to happen.
We saw it in spades over the last week, and I'm just sad we have to wait two more weeks to see what else we can do.
'All about managing players' workload'published at 14:19 BST 7 October
14:19 BST 7 October
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John Anderson says his former side Newcastle have performed well despite some inconsistent results so far this season, but Eddie Howe must rotate his squad during a busy period after the international break.
The Magpies sit 11th in the Premier League after seven games and will play seven matches across three competitions between 18 October and 9 November.
"Newcastle haven't been overly flashy so far this season but there have been good performances," former defender Anderson told BBC Radio Newcastle.
"There's been good performances where we haven't got results. We dug in at Bournemouth and got something out of that. It's never been a place that we've gone and done particularly well. They are a decent side so to go there and get a result is strong.
"Forest we knew was going to be difficult because of their position and the situation they are in with their manager so it was a case of digging in. If we can win our home games and pick up points away from home we're not going to be far away.
"There's an awful lot of football to play. The Premier League doesn't really take shape until Christmas time.
"We've got an awful lot of games to play. It's an international break then seven games in 23 days again. We've got that again in December as well.
"There's an awful lot of games and it's about looking after player's welfare as well. It's about rotating squads. It's all about managing that workload as Eddie Howe would say."
'The takeover was the best thing to happen to the club - no doubt'published at 11:01 BST 7 October
11:01 BST 7 October
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We asked for your reflections four years to the day since Newcastle were taken over by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, PCP Capital Partners and Reuben Brothers.
Here are some of your comments:
Paul: It has been an outstanding success and an ongoing project. A top manager and coaching staff, a squad of quality players, two cup finals, first major trophy for decades, new training facilities and stadium in the pipeline. Thanks!
Ward: The takeover was the best thing to happen to the club, no doubt. Our ambition is only capped by the Premier League spending and sponsorship rules. Not sure what has happened about the new stadium plans but I hope we see progress very soon as these are totemic in terms of demonstrating the owners' long-term commitment to the club.
Ernie: Had we not been taken over by the PIF, there's a real chance we'd be in League One or administration as Mike Ashley wasn't right for the club. We've got an exceptional manager, best squad since the 90s, won a trophy and been in Champions league twice. In Eddie we trust!
Peter: Literally snatched survival from the jaws of relegation, finished in Champions League places twice and won a trophy. Aye, it's been canny.
Richard: I've been very impressed with the ownership. They have been there, without wanting the limelight. They have brought stability and made good considered decisions and have at no stage panicked. We have a team we can be proud of, a stable plan for the future and have seen four years of improvement resulting in a cup and two Champions League campaigns with good Premier League finishes. They have our back and best of all they brought in a fantastic manager and have let him do his job. Our global brand needs some work and this is where I feel we lag behind in terms of revenue. We need a new training ground and some better sponsorship deals. There's still lots to be done but we are on the right path and with PIF and Eddie Howe I feel confident in the plan.
The mentality shift - Newcastle four years onpublished at 10:31 BST 7 October
10:31 BST 7 October
Ciaran Kelly Newcastle United reporter
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Newcastle United were in trouble. Deep trouble.
It is easy to think a switch was immediately flicked once the club's takeover was completed on this day four years ago.
But relegation-threatened Newcastle won just one of their opening 20 Premier League games before pulling away from danger.
The mentality shift since then has been striking.
In fact, at the start of the following campaign, Eddie Howe gathered his players and told them one of his big ambitions was to win a cup.
The bar was immediately being raised as Matt Ritchie recalled.
"Within context, we had been successful, staying in the Premier League when we probably shouldn't have," the former Newcastle winger said. "Now we're going to win the cup? It was like, 'Wow, really?'"
Newcastle went on to reach the Carabao Cup final that year - losing against Manchester United – before returning to Wembley and ending a 70-year wait to win a major domestic trophy last March.
Newcastle have also qualified for the Champions League in two of the last three seasons, but it still feels like they are only getting started.
"What I know is that it's not like, 'They've won a cup and job done,'" Ritchie said. "It's, 'What's the next thing?' That's the mindset and mentality of that group."
On this day - Newcastle takeoverpublished at 08:01 BST 7 October
08:01 BST 7 October
Image source, Getty Images
On this very day in 2021 Newcastle United fans gathered at the city's famous stadium to celebrate the club's takeover.
It was confirmed Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund would take a majority 80% stake in the club, whilst PCP Capital Partners and Reuben Brothers each took 10%.
Gossip: Magpies target Guler unlikely to leave Real Madrid published at 07:32 BST 7 October
07:32 BST 7 October
Real Madrid are unlikely to sanction a January move for Turkey midfielder Arda Guler, 20, despite interest from Arsenal and Newcastle. (Football Insider), external
Eintracht Frankfurt are targeting a January loan move for Newcastle and Denmark striker William Osula, 22. (Sky Sports), external
Newcastle takeover - what's changed?published at 13:04 BST 6 October
13:04 BST 6 October
Ciaran Kelly Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Newcastle had not long been taken over by a Saudi-led consortium in a £305m deal which was opposed by human rights campaigners.
The club had been dubbed the richest in the world by outsiders, but the reality on the ground was rather different as they battled relegation. So what has changed since the takeover?
Revenue is set to increase from £140m in 2021 to upward of £400m when the club's latest accounts are released later this season, while staff numbers have more than doubled to 550 in recent years.
There has been substantial investment in the academy and the women's team, while hundreds of millions have been pumped into to the club to help with day-to-day running costs.
But one question outsiders might be asking is why the wealth of their Saudi owners hasn't produced greater success.
Though new signings have arrived - around £100m net was spent in the summer - this has been a relatively gradual build as supporter Charlotte Robson explained.
"Because the new ownership were so wealthy, on paper, a lot of people made an assumption that they were going to buy the way to the top," said BBC Sport's Newcastle fan writer.
"Yes, Newcastle have brought in some excellent internationals like Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, but the development of existing squad players and the signing of players like Dan Burn from the region to bolster that feeling around the club has been massive and really important."
Such an approach has been influenced by Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which restrict losses to £105m over a rolling three-year period, so finding a way to create further headroom will be crucial for Newcastle.
For context, Manchester United may have experienced their worst campaign in more than four decades last season, but the club still generated record revenues of £666.5m.
Digging deeper, Manchester United brought in £333.3m worth of commercial income and £160.3m in matchday revenue.
Newcastle, by contrast, raised £83.6m and £50.1m respectively in their most recent published accounts from 2023-24.
Davey: It might not have been flowing football or particularly stylish, but winning games like this is essential to pushing for another Champions League qualification. We're still adapting to a new style of forward in the middle, but we were pretty solid in defence and our midfield wasn't bad either. Sandro Tonali was my man of the match - he never stops battling.
Bob: A good performance all round but one that might go under the radar is that of Anthony Gordon who was greatly improved. Malick Thiaw also looked solid alongside Sven Botman - a promising partnership there.
Andrew: A game of two halves. In the first half, we looked a bit disjointed. Maybe the pressure of a much-needed win was getting to the team. In the second half, we found some rhythm, created some great chances and deserved more than the two goals in the end. We need to build on the last two games.
Simon: A good solid performance across the team. It was tough to break down the Forest defence and their keeper kept them in the game. Good goal from Bruno Guimaraes and an excellent penalty from Nick Woltemade. Well earned three points.
Forest fans
Mike: I can see exactly what Ange Postecoglou is trying to do and the fanbase need to cut him some slack. I agree that results have not gone his way so far but he had a hard act to follow and in these crazy times he deserves some support. The real problem lies in the ownership and letting Nuno Espirito Santo go which could or maybe will prove catastrophic. Onwards and upwards. We will get better.
Matt: Some improvement but is it enough? I doubt it. Matz Sels brilliance aside it could have been three or four and then it would be a foregone conclusion. As nice a man as Ange comes across as, he's not for Forest and I think it's just a matter of time.
Adam: First half I thought we played well and did a good job. Second half Newcastle out on more pressure and it paid off. I'd like to say things are starting to improve but Newcastle have been poor so far this season as well so it's hardly a good result. I'd happily take Steve Cooper back to be honest.
Graham: I keep refreshing the BBC site, hoping for the news we all want to come. Sadly it has not.
Analysis: Captain Guimaraes steps uppublished at 17:16 BST 5 October
17:16 BST 5 October
Ciaran Kelly Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Momentum. That is what Newcastle have been desperately searching for.
Having seen his side record their biggest ever Champions League win against Union Saint-Gilloise in midweek, it was of little surprise that head coach Eddie Howe named an unchanged side on Sunday.
Newcastle did not look as dynamic at St James' Park as they did in Brussels. Nothing summed up the hosts' lack of edge in the first half quite like Joelinton firing well wide from the halfway line.
But captain Guimaraes stepped up in the second half - not only did the Brazilian put Newcastle ahead, he won the penalty to seal the victory.
Woltemade converted the spot-kick, becoming just the third Newcastle player to score in each of his first three Premier League home games for the club after Les Ferdinand in 1995 and Alan Shearer in 1996.
Former Newcastle and NI goalkeeper McFaul dies at 82published at 13:36 BST 5 October
13:36 BST 5 October
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Image caption,
Willie McFaul was a player and manager at Newcastle United
Former Newcastle United and Northern Ireland goalkeeper Willie McFaul has passed away aged 82.
McFaul joined Newcastle from Irish League side Linfield in 1966 and he made 386 appearances before he retired in 1975.
In the era of the great Pat Jennings - widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time - McFaul would only win six caps for Northern Ireland.
McFaul joined Newcastle's coaching staff after he hung up his gloves and would become manager in 1985 when Jack Charlton left his role.
He spent three years in the dugout at St James Park and went on to manage at Coleraine, his hometown club.
McFaul had a brief stint in charge of Guam's national team in 2003, and later worked with the Irish FA and as a scout at Norwich City.
"All of us at Newcastle United extend our sincere condolences to Willie's loved ones," the Magpies posted on social media.
The Irish FA said it sends "sincere condolences to Willie's family circle at this sad time".
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v Nottingham Forest" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Wolves v Brighton", for instance.
Nottingham Forest have made four changes from the side who were defeated by Midtjylland.
Captain Ryan Yates, Nicolo Savona and Jair Cunha have been handed their first top-flight starts of the campaign by manager Ange Postecoglou while Chris Wood leads the line.
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