Here is a novel way to solve Newcastle United’s mini-crisis: do nothing.

Well, not nothing exactly. But there is a need for a collective sharp intake of breath on Tyneside at an early-season wobble that feels deeply uncomfortable but is far from terminal for their season.

Last year Newcastle went to Brentford and were beaten 4-2 and the accepted narrative is that Eddie Howe saved the campaign by holding a series of no-holds-barred meetings with errant players to focus minds and reassert his authority.

But those who dig deeper into the metrics believe the reality was more prosaic: Newcastle went on a nine-match winning run because they were a good team who were well-coached and over time the form was always going to correct itself.

Speaking to a well-informed data savvy Premier League s

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