Journalist Liam Kennedy has described Newcastle as an absolute shambles defensively – and said that Steve Bruce's team are so easy to create chances against.

How have Newcastle fared this season?

Despite drawing each of their last two Premier League games, Kennedy isn't far wrong here.

It's been a shocking start to the season for the Magpies, who already look destined to be involved in another relegation dogfight and are only currently above the bottom-three on goal difference.

Only rock-bottom and pointless Norwich have conceded more than Bruce's side this season, whilst they're yet to keep a clean sheet.

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ENTER GIVEAWAY

The 1-1 draws with both Leeds and Watford were an improvement in terms of goals conceded, but both sides missed a hatful of chances, which would have piled more misery on the struggling Magpies.

In their opening six matches, Newcastle have already conceded almost 100 shots in the Premier League, which suggests that they're fortunate for some bad finishing that they've only let in 14 goals despite those array of chances for opposition sides.

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Kennedy looked at the Leeds game specifically, where Newcastle were lucky to escape with a point, of an example of their defensive struggles.

What did Kennedy say?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "Defensively, they're an absolute shambles. They've been dreadful. So easy to create chances against, even going back to the game against Leeds. It was more a game of basketball. I think Leeds expected that because that's the way they play, but for Newcastle, it was a disaster."

Can Newcastle survive?

Despite the ongoing problems off the field and anger towards Bruce, Newcastle do have some talented attacking players at their disposal.

In Allan Saint-Maximin, Bruce has one of the most dangerous and exciting attackers in the Premier League, whilst Joe Willock has shown he can score goals and Callum Wilson is proven at this level.

But if the Newcastle boss doesn't fix their problems at the back, having all of these bright attacking players might not be enough to keep the St James' Park outfit in the Premier League.