I always find it difficult to write when Newcastle United have not played football at the weekend, and this week is no exception, because Newcastle United did not play football this weekend and so there is nothing for me to think or worry about!
Of course, the more I try to 'Men In Black' Sunday away, the more it comes screaming back at me.
Actually, I have been trying to forget the entire past week from a Newcastle United perspective. To enter into dialogue with it is to have to analyse where we are in relation to where we want to be – and the gulf between the two is widening.
Hosting Sunderland, after losing in December, was big. We needed to right the wrongs of the away fixture and other results at the weekend meant it was also an opportunity to challenge for the Champions League. We lost.
I am not going to spend my words here arguing for or against Eddie Howe. The problems we have at Newcastle are not only at his feet. Instead, I am going to verbally perambulate around the topic of what is going on with our players.
We used to laud our players for 'getting it', for understanding the region, the fixtures and what a cup win meant to us. On Sunday, it felt like they might have got it for about 15 minutes of the game and then they forgot it.
Why does it all unclick mid-game? This is not all on the management. It is possible that fatigue plays a part – they have played an extraordinary amount of football this season. To me, it looks closer to burnout.
A refresh is vital. There is anger after the past couple of fixtures. Thank goodness we have three weeks before our next game. It almost feels like the fans need it as much as the team.
Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast
