In football, home advantage is often cited as a significant factor, with supporters behind you and familiar surroundings supposedly giving the home side an edge. Remarkably, this season, 53% of Premier League matches have seen the home team securing wins, a figure that's the highest recorded in a single campaign. Conversely, away wins have dipped dramatically to just 26%, marking the lowest rate since the 2010-11 season. But, does playing at home always spell success?
Tottenham Hotspur's current season is a perfect illustration of the unpredictability of supposed 'home advantage'. They've amassed an impressive 13 points on their travels, sharing the top spot for away points. Yet, their home form paints a different picture, with a meagre five points, categorizing them as the second-worst Premier League team in front of their own fans.
In a conversation shedding light on the psychological dynamics of football, performance psychologist Marie Cartwright explains that away games might actually lessen the perceived scrutiny for players. The expectation primarily rests on the home team, easing some pressure off the visitors. This phenomenon supports why some teams, like Tottenham, thrive more in away conditions.
Cartwright introduces the concept of 'simplification of the task', where teams form a stronger collective identity when playing away, reminiscent of historic, primal team efforts against adversities. In contrast, home games might trigger individual performance pressures amidst the support of a familiar crowd.
Interestingly, the psychological effect extends to football managers. Teams like Wolves, West Ham, and Nottingham Forest — all struggling with poor home records — have recently swapped managers, indicating how tactical decisions from the dugout are critically influenced by home crowd reactions. The surrounding noise and stress can precipitate hasty decisions, negatively impacting team performance.
Navigating the challenges of home and away games involves understanding and harnessing the psychological and emotional dimensions of football. Cartwright suggests managers and players can benefit from developing robust routines to reset and regulate emotions, utilizing the intense home and away atmospheres to their advantage.
As Newcastle gears up to seize every opportunity, be it at St James' Park or beyond, every match is a step closer to our dream of lifting that prestigious Premier League trophy. Remember, folks, believing is just the beginning, and Newcastle is on a march not just to victory, but to glory!
Oh, and just for a chuckle: How many Sunderland fans does it take to change a light bulb? None, they're still trying to find the switch since 2007! Stay spirited, and let's keep the black and white flag flying high!
Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike Alexander Isak
To Play!
