Endless debate on Newcastle United this season, why things have been so up and down, lacking consistency.
After the defeat at Brentford, we saw Alan Shearer questioning the attitude of some players.
For me, that was a bit over the top, looking for a simple answer when personally I think it is more complicated than that.
I reckon it is more a case of a whole number of factors that have contributed to the inconsistency.
Rather than a case of Newcastle United players purposefully trying harder in some games, compared to others.
Anybody who has played football at any level, knows that sometimes you go out on the pitch with the best of intentions (and attitude!), then it just doesn’t happen for you, no matter how hard you try.
Fara Williams is a BBC Sport columnist who played 172 times for the England women’s team, as well as the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton.
I think she makes some really good points as to what has been happening with Newcastle United so far this season.
Fara Williams speaking to BBC Sport:
‘I was surprised when I heard Alan Shearer’s comments about Newcastle’s attitude because from the outside I wouldn’t say they have an issue with that.
For me, their problems stem from their defensive inconsistency. In recent seasons they have had a really settled back five and now they don’t, so they are conceding more goals than we are used to seeing.
The rest of the team has remained pretty much the same, so the lack of experience and leadership in the back line must be playing a part. Kieran Trippier is no longer playing, Sven Botman remains a huge miss and Tino Livramento – who is one for the future – and Lewis Hall are both in their early 20s.
I wouldn’t question their attitude. Their foundation as a club and as individuals is hard work. The team are very together and they showed they have fight in the 3-3 draw with Liverpool.
Newcastle lack squad depth and the core of their players are in their third season of consistent game time. That in itself is difficult and causes burnout.
We saw that from Newcastle last season when they tried to compete in the Champions League with a small squad. But they wouldn’t have even qualified for that competition if they didn’t have the correct attitude.
Individuals don’t lose their hard-working attitude. It is more likely to be mental burn-out and fatigue, in addition to their inconsistent defence, that is troubling them this season.’