This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Newcastle have enjoyed mixed results this season but the counter-attacking style deployed by Steve Bruce seems to be an unsustainable method to obtain success in the Premier League.
The Magpies’ boss has been happy to concede possession in every match he has overseen so far, preferring instead to rely on the counter-attack and goals from set-pieces.
There have been promising performances from the likes of Jonjo Shelvey and Allan Saint-Maximin, but too often they are restricted in how they can influence proceedings, and that is primarily due to the negative approach of the manager.
Averaging 38% possession in the league this term means it has been impossible for Newcastle to impose themselves on the opposition, and without that control in matches, their attacking players are suffering as a result.
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That is partly why Joelinton is yet to get up and running, and why the Brazilian’s one goal is the only time any of the regular front-three have hit the back of the net.
The match against Aston Villa on Monday highlighted that concern. Due to a resolute defence, the Magpies were able to launch a breakaway on multiple occasions, but with nobody near him, Joelinton often failed to retain possession.
On one occasion he ran from the halfway line to the opposition penalty box without a teammate near him the entire time – all because of Bruce’s instructions to maintain the team’s shape at all costs.
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Such orders remove any freedom the more creative and attack-minded players in the squad have.
It means players such Miguel Almiron and Saint-Maximin focus too much on defence and in attack they don’t receive enough support. To solve the problem, Bruce must begin telling DeAndre Yedlin and Jetro Willems to get forward more often.
Both wingbacks have shown this season that they can be useful in the final third, each scoring despite the defensive style which they are operating under.
By getting down the flanks with more frequency and purpose Newcastle could begin pinning the opposition down in their own half and create more space in the middle for the front-three to operate in.
That could also create chances for Jonjo Shelvey who has looked good in attack with two goals. Since there are three centre-backs on the pitch the Magpies would not need to worry too much about being exposed at the back.
Meanwhile, there could be another solution for Steve Bruce to turn to, and the answer lies in a player already at the club.
