The defensive frailties of Newcastle United have so often been overplayed by elements of the national press, preferring to use clichés first mooted in the Keegan era over the cold, hard facts shown in the goals against column of the league table. That said, in recent years the backline has always had the tendency to self-destruct at crucial times, leading to our exit from many a competition. Now, on paper at least, the defence is starting to look good. With Beye, Enrique, Cacapa, Faye and Rozenhal adding to the potential of Taylor and bringing some much needed experience and quality to the United back four, there is some cause for optimism amongst supporters. So, where does that leave the other elements in the team live-up?

On the showing of the season so far, despite a decent start, there have been times when the midfield has appeared to lack both cohesion and attacking flair. There are a number of mitigating factors admittedly. In selling Nolberto Solano to West Ham the club lost what was probably their most creative influence. Even if he was used mainly as a right-back last season and no longer has the legs to get up and down the touchline, his replacements so far lack that imaginative spark, not to mention the football brain, which the Peruvian winger demonstrated throughout his time on Tyneside. Another loss has been that of Kieron Dyer who, regardless of never fulfilling his potential in at St. James’ Park, will be missed due to his pace and ability to run at defenders. As with the aforementioned Solano, none of the current crop of midfielders can offer what Dyer gave to the team. It is only fair to mention though that both actively sought moves to Upton Park rather than being deemed surplus to requirements by Sam Allardyce. To make matters worse, James Milner, one of the few positives from last season, has struggled for form so far this term.

The manager has also had to contend with the injury to his summer signing Joey Barton and, consequently, has not been afforded the luxury of picking his first choice midfield in a competitive match. Barton’s return, with his dynamic box-to-box style of play, good range of passing and an eye for goal should give the team a much needed shot in the arm. His best position is in central midfield and by playing him there some balance will be brought to a side which has recently looked pedestrian and over cautious in the middle of the park.

The midfield has been bolstered now that Allardyce has decided that Enrique is fully match fit and up to the rigors of starting games in the Premier League. The introduction of the Spaniard has seen Charles N’Zogbia released from his role as a makeshift left-back. The young Frenchman’s importance to the side has already been underlined by his scoring three league goals and contributing three assists so far this season. Another player waiting to come back from injury, almost a forgotten man at the club it seems, is winger Damien Duff. If he can recapture anything like the form he showed earlier in his career he will be a very useful member of Newcastle’s squad, providing both an attacking threat and willingness to work as well as presenting another left-sided option. An additional possibility is Emre, a player just returning from injury. He offers something different in a creative sense to those currently starting and would also possibly suit the playmaker role in a midfield three, a formation Allardyce favoured whilst at Bolton and has utilised this season too. And his great strike on Sunday showed just how important players like him can be in tight matches. Getting these players fully fit will allow attacking alternatives on the bench, allowing the manager to make changes that can have an impact on games when need be. Again, this is something that has been distinctly lacking at times this season and it made a big difference against Everton.

So that leaves the question of the forwards. It seems that Michael Owen and Mark Viduka are the first choice pairing, fitness permitting, with Obafemi Martins, Shola Ameobi and Alan Smith being their replacements. A problem with this combination is that it compounds the problems caused by the lack of pace in midfield as Owen is no longer the whippet he once was and Viduka has never been quick. Playing Owen and Viduka seriously curtails the side’s ability to stretch the opposition and get in behind their defence. The obvious solution would be play Martins with either Owen or Viduka, with the latter being the most natural partner for the Nigerian striker, providing a target man for him to play off. An Owen-Martins frontline is also worth consideration, especially for home games where many opposition teams will sit back and look to soak up the pressure. Allardyce will certainly have his work cut out keeping all three of those happy and will need to employ a sensible rotation strategy as it is unlikely they have the attributes needed to work as front three, given none of them are particularly comfortable playing in a wide role. And, after his much improve display in the last home game, Alan Smith will be in contention for a start upfront even when all the strikers are fit.

The options are there and, for one as tactically astute as Allardyce, it should not be too hard to make the most of them. Whether the players involved are capable of achieving the consistent Champions League qualification the fans and the new owner desire and, in some cases, demand is highly debateable. But it is really a case of learning to walk before you can run for the club this season. A UEFA Cup spot is a realistic target and will be necessary if the Newcastle United wants to attract the sort of players in the close season who can take them to the next level. Quite who these players are is different matter. A right-sided midfielder with pace, in the mould of Shaun Wright-Phillips or Aaron Lennon would certainly go down well with the fans and could help turn the side into one which can push for a top four place. There is still a lack of cover for both full-back positions and this is again something which needs to be addressed. The signs are encouraging so far though.