Newcastle Jets host Melbourne City in the Hunter this afternoon.
Loss of David Carney
The biggest news of the transfer market for the Jets was not the signing of new Danish import Morten Nordstrand but instead the loss of former Socceroo David Carney. After establishing himself as the Newcastle outfit’s most reliable and impressive player, Carney was stood down last week due to “a lack of commitment to the club” before being picked up by former club Sydney FC. With his absence certainly noticeable in last weekend’s 1-0 loss to Adelaide United, the side will have to have struck gold in Nordstrand or face the possibility of slipping further down the ladder.
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City’s imbalance
It has been said time again this season but City’s biggest flaw is their defence, and after last week’s loss to Western Sydney, it has been highlighted once again. City went into their first top of the table clash only to see themselves down 3-0 and facing a humiliating defeat, and a deficit they simply could not recover despite the best efforts of their attack. If City cannot fix their leaky back line they could well ruin their best ever chance at a title, and see quality players like Aaron Mooy depart soon after.
Newcastle’s lack of spirit
The Jets started the campaign full of positive attitude and raw desire to succeed under Scott Miller, however over the past two months that spirit has slowly disappeared, with their win over Wellington Phoenix a rare showing of unity and passion. With a free-fall down the ladder at the core of Newcastle’s season, a lack of positivity is to be expected, but if the Jets are to turn things around, Miller must bring desire and excitement back in to the changeroom, or face becoming just another casualty at Hunter Stadium.
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