BBC release alarming Newcastle statistics - A growing concern for Eddie Howe?

The BBC have shared some concerning statistics on Newcastle's defensive woes since Christmas during Saturday night's Match of the Day. 

Including our 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Boxing day, Eddie Howe's Newcastle have conceded 15 goals in our last five league games. This is joint worst in the league with Sheffield United. 10 of those goals were conceded in three home games, showing that St James’ Park is not the same fortress it was last season.

The stat comes after Newcastle’s thrilling 4-4 draw against Luton Town on Saturday. We have the fourth-best home record in the league, but have conceded as many goals at home as we did across the previous campaign (in six fewer games) and have already conceded more goals than we did all last term. 

The worries don’t stop there however, as Newcastle are bottom of the charts over the past five games for shots on target faced (46), shots faced (99) and expected goals against (17.3). 

Whether it's Dan Burn's struggles at left-back, Nick Pope's absence or the lack of protection from midfield, these statistics leave Howe with a big decision to make to improve what was such a key feature of our game last season.