Newcastle have endured a difficult start to the new season.

A tough run of fixtures, including visits to Manchester City and Brighton — and a home clash with Liverpool — has left the Magpies with just three points from their first four matches.

After last season's unexpected top-four finish, Eddie Howe clearly has some work to do if he hopes to hit the same heights again this term.

Ahead of today's game against Brentford, we take a look at how Newcastle can address their issues.

No panic

Just four matches in, there is no need for Newcastle to make big changes.

They won their opening game 5-1 against a strong Aston Villa side and the following three fixtures were about as difficult as they come.

A run of three successive defeats will be a concern, though, particularly after the high standards set last season.

Newcastle are yet to keep a clean sheet this term and have already shipped seven goals. By comparison, they had the joint-best defensive record in the division in 2022-23 with just 33 conceded.

Steady Eddie

Howe has insisted the key is to remain calm, as he looks to inspire an improvement in his side's performances.

He said: "If I lose my cool, I'm not going to think straight and I'm not going to analyse the problems like I need to.

"It's very easy when you're winning to stay calm, to focus on the next game.

"I know that's not what people maybe want to hear but it's really important to do that when you're not winning. When there's almost panic around you, you've got to be very level."

Finding a balance

Big-money summer signings like Sandro Tonali from AC Milan and Harvey Barnes from Leicester have raised expectations on Tyneside.

Their arrival may have prompted Howe to set his team up more offensively, in an attempt to put even the division's top opponents to the sword.

The 4-3-3 system of last season has remained the same but, perhaps more emboldened, Newcastle have appeared increasingly bullish in some matches.

It has worked in an attacking sense — they are scoring at a similar rate to last season (1.75 goals per 90 minutes vs 1.79) and even creating higher quality chances (2.25 big chances created per 90 vs 2.11).

But there has been a noticeable drop off in defence, with 13.5 shots conceded per 90 compared to 10.24 last season and an xG conceded per 90 of 1.47 to 1.16.

Back to basics

Reverting to the pragmatic approach of last season could be the key for Howe.

There may also be a need to look at personnel. Sean Longstaff is not as glamorous as some of Newcastle's other midfield options but his tireless work in the engine room may add some necessary balance, with Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton yet to convince as a trio.

There is certainly much to ponder for the Toon boss, ahead of his team's return to Premier League action against Thomas Frank's Bees.

Wholesale changes may not be necessary — but minor tweaks could make all the difference for Newcastle in a crucial period of the season.