Nico Gonzalez: I don’t feel concerned about Newcastle

Nico Gonzalez is refusing to panic after Monday's damaging 4-1 defeat at Coventry, insisting there were plenty of positives to take from the performance despite another disappointing result on the road.

The former Man City midfielder believes the scoreline did not reflect the balance of the game, but accepts Newcastle must improve at both ends if we are to turn promising spells into points.

Gonzalez defends Newcastle despite Coventry defeat

Speaking after Monday night’s loss, Gonzalez pointed to the chances Newcastle created and suggested we could easily have come away with a much different result.

The Spaniard also reflected on the late goals that made the scoreline look even worse, arguing that games can quickly get away from teams when they push forward in search of a response.

“We had clear chances to draw. We improved in many things but there are things we have to work on.”

“I think it’s normal in this league there’s always goals in the last minute. Everyone goes forward and it’s hard to keep defending as well as the first minutes.”

“The result is not what happened in the game. I’ve seen so many games where it’s 2-1 and you draw.”

Despite Newcastle conceding four goals for the second away game in succession, Gonzalez was not prepared to join the post-match panic, insisting he remains confident in the team’s ability to improve.

“I don’t feel concerned. We’ve done many things right. It’s clear what we have to improve.

“It’s easy to work on because we know the things we need to do better. If we improve them I’m sure we’ll do a great season.”

Nico tops creation charts for Gameweek Six

While Newcastle’s defensive shortcomings were once again exposed, Gonzalez can take some credit for his own contribution on an otherwise awful night.

The midfielder created six chances against Coventry, more than any other Premier League player during Gameweek Six. It underlines how Newcastle managed to create opportunities despite leaving the Midlands with nothing to show for them.

Harvey Barnes was next among Newcastle players with four chances created, while Jacob Murphy registered three, highlighting the number of openings we were unable to make the most of. 

The problem for Gonzalez, however, is the balance around him in midfield. Monday night highlighted the gaps between the Spaniard, Joe Willock and Yoane Wissa, leaving us vulnerable when possession was lost and limiting our build up play in central areas.

Gonzalez may not feel concerned, but conceding eight goals in our last two away is a big concern.