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“Cracking the Low Block”: Newcastle United Tactical Analysis
10 Plays16 days ago
Newcastle United head to Brentford this Sunday with one big question hanging over them — why can’t they break down the low block?In this episode, Michael Grahamslaw and Iain Mackay dive deep into Newcastle’s tactical struggles against compact, defensive sides and explore how Eddie Howe’s team can finally find solutions ahead of the Premier League clash with Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium (Sunday, November 9, 2:00 PM GMT).
In this tactical deep-dive, we cover:
⚫️ Why Newcastle United struggle to break down low-block defences
⚪️ How this tactical issue has hurt them against Everton, Brighton, and West Ham
⚫️ Whether the lack of a true No.10 is holding the attack back
⚪️ The importance of the first goal when facing defensive setups
⚫️ How to unlock Brentford’s compact shape on Sunday
⚪️ Questions from X: Gordon’s form, midfield balance, and set-piece concerns
⚫️ The debate on Nick Woltemade’s role — deep striker or system misfit?
⚪️ What changes are needed in the front three and midfield trio
📊 We also break down the numbers: only two teams in the Premier League have faced lower defensive blocks than Newcastle this season — and it’s starting to show. Can Howe’s men adapt their attacking blueprint before it costs more points?
Recommended
Transcript
Newcastle United's Tactical Challenges
00:00:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Low blocks and even lower returns would be the starting headline of Newcastle United's season so far. And with a big test in West London this weekend, Newcastle are going to turn their Premier League season around. It's going to start with the solving of the deepest problem in our game, breaking down compact defences.
00:00:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now, to join me to talk about it is my good pal Ian McKay. How do you feel about the low block in general, Ian?
00:00:41
Iain
I am ah can understand why teams have adopted a low block against Newcastle. The marauding Newcastle intensity is our identity anyway.
00:00:55
Iain
um And it's it has proved to be very effective this season against us.
00:00:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:01:01
Iain
But that's just... ah That should be a problem that is being addressed and to be solved at every training session.
00:01:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:01:11
Iain
but the proof of the pudding is not yet not yet being displayed.
00:01:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
It doesn't seem like it does.
00:01:16
Iain
So yes, low block.
00:01:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. It feels like
00:01:18
Iain
It seems a really basic tactic to flummox us for quite so long.
00:01:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think it's it's one of those where the low block probably is ah an oversimplication of our problems. But you know it goes back to a couple of seasons back, the 0-0s against Bournemouth, or the 1-1 against Bournemouth, should say, and the 0-0 against Crystal Palace, and then Leeds when we drew 0-0 against them as well.
00:01:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
and Even the 2-2 when Sam Allardy's played there, then Everton and Brighton last season. And we've seen it so many times already this
Mid-Table Paradox and Strategy Impact
00:01:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
year that we're just struggling with it.
00:01:54
Iain
Thank you.
00:01:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
And i think the reason for that is we're getting out of this old mid-table paradox where you know you've you've got that sort of top of mid-table mentality where you had West Ham a few seasons back.
00:02:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Everton a few seasons back, obviously that's a little while ago now. Now it's kind of like Newcastle United, you could argue Brighton are teetering on that section because they're always in that top half.
00:02:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Villa are obviously there are all the time. its It's kind of where not Tottenham Hotspur have been for a long time as well, where teams no longer go into games thinking... We're going to beat you by just going want a one to one.
00:02:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
And we're seeing more and more sides of adopt that low block. In fact, this season, only two sides have faced a lower block than Newcastle United, more as frequent as Newcastle United this season.
00:02:49
Iain
Yeah.
00:02:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Can you name those two sides for me?
00:02:57
Iain
I would just fall it completely into your trap, obviously. um Assuming that they must have played us because that's one extra low block, I'll go for Liverpool and Arsenal.
00:03:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
So Liverpool are there, but this Arsenal are not the second team, despite the fans complaining about it every single day. No, Arsenal are actually in fourth, just behind Newcastle, so it is a great shout.
00:03:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
But in second place, it's a bit of a surprise. It's Nottingham Forest. Forest's good fortunes have been turned around and rattled by the low block.
00:03:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
They struggle against it
00:03:38
Iain
That's great.
00:03:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
We struggle against it. And you know how we tried to solve it? We tried sign their winger, or we did sign their winger, for 50 million. And it's going great. ah But no, it's not Alain Gass' fault. and We've been struggling for years. He just hasn't been the solution.
Performance Against Bigger Teams
00:03:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
But the truth is, we kind of look more comfortable when we play the big hitters, don't we? Best performances this season, well, best performances this season for me was Liverpool. Would you agree?
00:04:08
Iain
I think that was a freak game, that, though, when were down to 10 men before we started playing really well.
00:04:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
We were still the better side with XI, I think, personally.
00:04:15
Iain
Well, I think we were, yeah. I think we were unlucky to go behind, definitely. um But yeah, I think if if we've got a team that comes on to us, then that gives us room to to to find the gaps, doesn't it?
00:04:28
Iain
I think it's difficult this year as well.
00:04:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh.
00:04:30
Iain
We need to find... and Because we struggled last year against a low block. And now we've got a different... He's type of forward who I think ah think ultimately, well, we'll get into it, but I think Valtemada is the sort of player who can be a low block, but not if he's playing centre forward.
00:04:50
Iain
He needs to play 10 yards further back, in my view.
00:04:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah So to be fair, I was going ask about Nick Vultomato bit later, but we'll move out to be honest, I'm happy to move straight to it now. um He is excellent in the final third, as you say, but he doesn't quite suit the playing style of Newcastle United, I don't think, because he comes very deep.
00:05:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it means when we're getting to the byline, We've got, let's say we played Gordon and Alanga.
00:05:18
Iain
Thank you.
Adapting Strategies and Player Roles
00:05:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Gordon's played 18 games and not got a goal or assist for us in the league in his last 18, should I say. And Alanga hasn't got one for us either. So then we're relying on the wingers to actually create something there. And it's it's one of those where maybe, just maybe,
00:05:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
You need a Johan Wisser up there who is just going to score. And Nick Vultemada is, despite being absolutely brilliant, not quite the striker we've needed at this precise moment. What do you think?
00:05:52
Iain
Well, I think we just have to we have to ah adapt. It should have been. i mean, the Athletic Club, for example, were playing such a high line. They were pushed up onto the halfway line when we had the ball.
00:06:05
Iain
And we did try.
00:06:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:06:06
Iain
There was one ball hoofed forward, which Joe Linton ran onto and should have scored with before he handballed it in the middle of doing that and then whacked it over the bar.
00:06:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:06:16
Iain
But that was a simple punt forward over the top for someone to run onto. um It's the opposite of a low block, I suppose. It's when everybody's further back. But there must be... We need somebody who can pick a pass through the lines.
00:06:32
Iain
I've seen Bruno do it. I've seen Tonali do it. I've seen Miley do it. I'm not sure why we can't engineer things during a game to to be doing that.
00:06:44
Iain
If they each tried it two or three times, then surely we'd have a couple get through.
00:06:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, you'd think so, wouldn't you? I think particularly when, I mean, the eye test always tells you something a bit different to the stats. But against West Ham, it just felt like we couldn't get the ball into that midfield to do so. They were so energetic and they were all over that midfield three that they just couldn't really do anything and were really struggling on that front.
00:07:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And I think with that... A lot of it came from not having the full backs to progress forward.
00:07:16
Iain
Hmm.
00:07:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Emil Kraft, Dan Byrne, both great players, but they can't really run. Kieran Trippier coming in against Athletic Club, he was fantastic, wasn't he? And you can really see the difference when he plays in comparison to an Emil Kraft.
00:07:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
So do you think having not just Trippier, but Livremendo and Hall both playing when they come back, that'll help our issue of the the low block? Because we will be able to overwhelm with numbers while at the minute, we just can't really get them in there. What do you think?
00:07:49
Iain
Well, I think the low block beats us because we're outnumbered, full stop.
00:07:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:07:54
Iain
And if we can get more numbers in there to level things up um before you factor in ah the sheer class and skill of Liveramento and Hall, I think that's got to help.
00:08:07
Iain
But you're right, Kraft and Byrne weren't really overlapping. know Byrne was trying to overlap, and it actually put a couple of really good crosses in as well.
00:08:17
Iain
But it's not his natural game.
00:08:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
you did?
00:08:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Absolutely not.
00:08:18
Iain
It's not his natural game.
00:08:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
i' seen not
00:08:20
Iain
um i think it's got to come naturally. i think the full-backs come back would help. um Having a winger that can go past a full-back to the byline and pull it back could help.
00:08:32
Iain
But, you know, Valtemar is so good at receiving the ball and hanging on to it that i i think he i think he... And his layoffs are ah excellent.
00:08:45
Iain
I think the longer they're training together... the more the more that we will find ah a way to unpick a low block by ball effectively bouncing off Valtemada through to where he knows somebody is running on to.
00:08:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:08:58
Iain
But we've got to have the runners. We've got to have the runners through from midfield. got to have the wingers coming in from the side. And confidence is down, I think, um in both departments.
00:09:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:09:10
Iain
And that's why they'll not overcommit away from home.
00:09:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, you're probably right. I i mean we saw against West Ham, as soon as we scored that first goal, we just sat back. um But you mentioned Vultemar then. One of the things I was actually going to ask you was, do you think Newcastle should have brought ah proper number 10 in the transfer window?
00:09:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm actually going to turn that around and say, when Johan Wisser comes in, do you think Nick Vultemar will take up the role of a number 10 at times? And they'll play together.
00:09:44
Iain
um I hope so. ah hope so. um But that would require a tweak to to the formation, wouldn't it?
00:09:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Formation change. Yeah.
00:09:54
Iain
I think if you do 4-2-3-1 rather than 4-3-3, then there's a space in between the wingers just behind Whissa for Volta Marda.
00:09:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:10:07
Iain
But then that's one of Bruno Tonali or Joe Linton that isn't the first choice. And...
00:10:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
no
00:10:16
Iain
but ah When we selected Brentford yesterday, the brent team to play Brentford, we made Bruno not one of the first choice. So but i think we just need to, I don't know, i think we just need to be co we need to have the confidence that we've got a squad now.
00:10:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, exactly.
00:10:34
Iain
We don't have a first team, first 11. And ah different games will require a different approach.
00:10:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, absolutely.
00:10:41
Iain
but But I would be more than happy to see 4-2-3-1, um, um with Vultimada in the centre of that to pick out and Vissa.
00:10:53
Iain
Maybe Azula.
00:10:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:10:55
Iain
Azula's shown he can hold somebody off and put a ball away.
00:10:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's definitely got the legs for it. He ran in behind for his goal against Liverpool. He's a bit too lanky to be ah someone who constantly gets in behind, but it works for Haaland.
00:11:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Haaland, know he's the best in the world in that number nine position. Can't compare the two whatsoever. But Asula's build is fairly similar. So if Haaland has the potential to do that, it shows that and that a player of that stature can.
00:11:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
um but That's why I'm thinking about Wisser. Of...
00:11:28
Iain
hmm
00:11:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know all comes in from Bruno Gomares, it's a one-touch layoff Nick Valtemana into Tonali, then you should have Gordon, let's say Alanga and Visser all then making the run in behind at times to to cause havoc.
00:11:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
But it feels like without that proper number nine... because I still don't think Nick Valtemar is the proper number nine. He's sort of the the number 10 that lays things off. He's so tidy, arguably our best first touch player on the ball.
00:11:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
He'd fit into a Barcelona tiki-taka, but he isn't quite a number nine.
00:12:02
Iain
so
00:12:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
um So I think you when Johan Wisser comes in, that could be the moment that Newcastle United actually finally break that low block. But it's over-relying on a player that's not played a single minute for Newcastle. So do we need to rely more on the the wingers, do you think? Do they need to do more?
Injuries and International Game Dilemma
00:12:25
Iain
Well, I think if you look back last year, Well, they were all on nine goals, weren't they? Gordon, Barnes and Murphy.
00:12:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. 100%.
00:12:34
Iain
They're well behind that average this year. So I think they every right to rely on the wingers because they've done it before. They're just not doing it this year.
00:12:45
Iain
Now, maybe Gordon has been carrying this injury and that's why he's lost ah half a yard of his pace and that's what puts him ahead.
00:12:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, absolutely. Long.
00:12:54
Iain
Barnes is a super sub um and hasn't had a lot of time. I think Murphy's struggled and tried to accommodate Alanga in this team, and he hasn't had a lot of time yet. So it's too early to judge for these players. They're not they're not done with at all.
00:13:12
Iain
One thing which i haven't mentioned, by the way, Michael, which is a really good way of breaking the low block, and we've only got Fab Schaar who tries it really, is have a shot from 20 yards, 25 yards.
00:13:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
no up
00:13:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
long
00:13:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, get the rebounds and stuff like
00:13:27
Iain
You don't have to break the low block there. You just have to put it in the top corner. And we always try to do it when we've got a ah stationary free kick and a big wall stood in front of us.
00:13:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
that.
00:13:37
Iain
What's wrong with having a few more shots from outside the box?
00:13:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:13:41
Iain
Fab Schaar's scored some great goals that way. um You know, I don't know what but and don't have if Malik Chow's tried it or Botman's tried it. and Tonali's had one or two goals and scored from it.
00:13:54
Iain
But we just seem to not...
00:13:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Same with Jacob Murphy.
00:13:56
Iain
Well, we seem to not try it. We're scared of missing it or scared of giving the ball up. But like you say, if you watch some of the goals Murphy scored over the last year or two, some of them go in and and and you're ahead.
00:14:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:14:11
Iain
and So I think it's a chance worth taking. Rather than recycling the ball around the back again and again and again and it going out for a throw-in. I mean, have a crack.
00:14:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:14:22
Iain
Have a crack, guys.
00:14:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
think that's why, for me, it's really important that Harvey Barnes gets into the squad as well. Because outside of Nick Valtemar, you would probably have to say that Harvey Barnes is the the best finisher in the team.
00:14:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
um I don't know if you agree with that, but certainly my thoughts. um And when your second best finisher is on the left and not really getting a kick... then realistically, you're not going to score too many goals.
00:14:45
Iain
Hmm.
00:14:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
and But him alongside Murphy, i remember the Wolves game in particular last year, I remember seeing um a lot of times for Leicester where he'll cut in from that left-hand side and just curl it into the corners.
00:15:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And as you say, he got nine goals for us last season, a lot less minutes than Murphy and Anthony Gordon. So I'm really glad to see him start.
00:15:10
Iain
yeah
00:15:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
And i think Barnes and Murphy, it's one of those where we've bought in depth because of this.
00:15:16
Iain
okay
00:15:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
But when you look at Anthony Gordon, zero goal involvement in 18 games in the league, what, it's hard to say, because I want to say what do you, what's wrong with them, but that's probably harsh.
00:15:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Uh, but something has to improve for him, doesn't it? And do you think it's a mentality thing or do you think he's, do you think he just can't be bothered? Um,
00:15:43
Iain
ah Well, I don't know if... I don't think he just can't be bothered. I mean, I was interested just recently to hear that he's been carrying this hip problem virtually the whole of the season.
00:15:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:15:57
Iain
So if he's if he's not letting on how bad it is and getting picked, but then being hampered by it, you'd think they would pick that up and not keep doing it. um Because he's looked great for England...
00:16:13
Iain
He's played very well a against Benfica and against Tottenham. So he can get up for the big cup matches, but maybe that's just a little extra painkiller that he needs to get through the pain barrier and perform, which he doesn't have away at West Ham or away at Brighton.
00:16:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Potentially.
00:16:37
Iain
I don't know. But there's something amiss there.
00:16:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:16:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because I have to say, if he's had a bit of a knock all season, then don't go away with England to play the likes of Albania. you know In games where England are going to need you, yes, definitely.
00:16:51
Iain
Thank you.
00:16:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
But we there's no reason why we can't say to Thomas Tuchel, look, Look at the teams you are playing, particularly in this international break where Gordon will miss out by the looks of it. He's been called up, but it looks like he won't make it.
00:17:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
um You're playing two terrible teams. You don't need Anthony Gordon. You've got Eber Echiezi. You've got Marcus Rashford. I know Gordon will probably be thinking, if I miss a game, I've lost my spot.
00:17:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
But if you're not fit for Newcastle, you shouldn't be playing for England. um That's my personal opinion. i am going to get to an advert from Bionique because I've got a few things that I want to add.
00:17:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
This will probably just be a two-parter. um But I've got some fan queries from X that I've picked out. I'm going to give our thoughts on them. But for now, it's Bionique.
00:17:41
Iain
Thank you.
Fan Suggestions and Squad Depth
00:18:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
lovely stuff so as i mentioned got a few things that i picked up this is something about the low block obviously i've done a little bit of research into it and i wanted to get some fan thoughts just to make sure i wasn't going a bit insane and overlooking into things um so and to be fair i probably still am um but first one that i'd seen was uh to beat the low block newcastle need to change the front three bruno tonali and joe linton
00:18:32
Iain
Thank you.
00:18:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Don't work with 10 behind the ball. What do you think to that? Do you think ah a Miley or a Ramsey would fix that? Or do you think it's one of those best three have to play?
00:19:00
Iain
i Well, I mean, I would always pick Bruno and Tonali, but neither of them can play 60 games. So I think we've got to have some alternatives. If the teams that are stacking up with a low block are the teams in a second atmo the bottom half of the table, then maybe there are games where you will miss Bruno or Tonali out and give them a rest.
00:19:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:19:22
Iain
Because want to drop them when you're playing against Man City or Arsenal or Chelsea. So um certainly Ramsey has looked...
00:19:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, definitely.
00:19:31
Iain
Tidy, without having the confidence to do anything spectacular yet.
00:19:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:19:35
Iain
and I'll tell you who looked good playing against Tottenham, the forgotten man, but looked like he got a lot of his sharpness back and he did have an assist for the second goal was Joe Willock.
00:19:46
Iain
Joe Willock's in the squad. Joe Willock on form was our best player two or three years ago. Scored lot of goals.
00:19:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes.
00:19:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
He was, yeah.
00:19:54
Iain
um Ran past players to, um I still remember that, That ball for Isak to score the fourth against Tottenham in the 6-1 victory with the outside of the foot.
00:20:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Tottenham. Greatest pass. Yeah.
00:20:09
Iain
I mean, and I can remember him running from the halfway line and scoring a goal against Southampton.
00:20:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Puskas should have won.
00:20:18
Iain
Willock's a good player and he's been he's been caught off and on for two years. If he's back and he looked back against Tottenham, maybe he should get a few extra minutes. Let's see what he can do.
00:20:31
Iain
ah' I'm a big fan of Miley. I think Miley is capable. ah He can certainly see a pass. We saw a great one in one of his first games to set Izak up score against Ipswich, I think it was.
00:20:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:20:42
Iain
and Maybe it wasn't Ipswich, Fulham. Current number. Great ball through. at But against Bromley last year, Miley could look up, put his foot on the ball and wallop something into the top corner.
00:20:55
Iain
We've never even seen him try that in the first team. I think he needs to be given... free reign to do what he's thinking rather than to so to put his foot on it and knock it sideways, which we see too much of.
00:21:08
Iain
I think he's still worried about giving the ball away.
00:21:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:21:11
Iain
and You know, and the best players, most creative players, they don't have a 98% pass completion rate because they're trying clever things.
00:21:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
no
00:21:21
Iain
And you might get intercepted two or three times, but the fourth time it gets through and that's when we score. We need more of that.
00:21:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah You don't mind a 75% pass completion ratio when they've got three assists, do you? um it's ah You're absolutely right.
00:21:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
And um I think that's the thing with Miley. I hate to say this, and I actually said it, I don't know the exact pod, but it was over a year ago that Miley might have to do what Anderson's done
00:21:43
Iain
seems to have been great
00:21:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
to really break through just because we do have such a good midfield three and he is that talented. He is far too talented to be sitting on a bench somewhere.
00:22:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I hope that never happens. um And that's a hope I hope that's something that I never actually have to bring up again. The second one...
00:22:09
Iain
Do not think Miley's already there? I think Miley is all... i was It was excellent when as heard, saw Howe, asked a question about Miley. Does he, you know, is he just sitting there absorbing it all from Tonali and Bruno to Lerch?
00:22:26
Iain
And Howe just said, no, I don't think ah don't think Lewis is doing that. He thinks he's on a level with them. He's competing for their places. So I think that Miley has got through the bad times.
00:22:37
Iain
I think Miley's... almost a first choice. And, you know, if Bruno or Joe Linton don't book their ideas a big time soon, I think you'll find Miley on the team sheet for either of them.
00:22:51
Iain
That might be controversial, but that's how much I rate him, as say.
00:22:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it's a big experiment.
00:22:56
Iain
He's the Geordie Tonali.
00:22:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
He is. He is. He's absolutely fantastic player and i hope he does get the game time he needs because it'll be horrible to see another Geordie lad go off. um But, number two. Anthony Gordon is sitting far too deep this season. He needs to play closer to Nick Volta Marder.
00:23:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
do I've mentioned that actually um so far this season that i think Gordon is sitting too deep. But do think the reason for that is because Burns is playing fullback. Would you agree with that?
00:23:26
Iain
Totally.
00:23:28
Iain
Totally. When Hall has carried the ball into the opposition half, Gordon must be up on the edge of their box. Byrne doesn't do that. Gordon's coming to the touchline on the halfway line to pick a ball up from Byrne or from Joe Linton.
00:23:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
No.
00:23:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
no
00:23:43
Iain
And then he's got to turn and travel another 50 yards to get into the box, which he doesn't do all of the time, particularly not if he's got a hip injury. But that's absolutely right.
00:23:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
no
00:23:52
Iain
Gordon's been playing too deep. I think it's similar with Alanga, why Alanga might have struggled, because he's not had anybody really.
00:23:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, incredible, right?
00:24:01
Iain
um ah know Trips does push on a little bit more, but he's not he's still not bombing up and down the wing the way that Livramento or Holders.
00:24:13
Iain
holders
00:24:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, completely agree. I think it's it's one of those where we kind of need a plan B when those two aren't available because other fullbacks just can't do the role like they can. Emile Kraft, I love him, but he isn't a Tino Liveramento quality player.
00:24:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Kieran Trippier, love him, and he has got the skill on the ball to do that. We saw that against Athletic Club, but just the movement isn't quite there. um Same with Dan Byrne.
00:24:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
absolutely brilliant player. He will go down in Newcastle folklore forever.
00:24:43
Iain
Thank
00:24:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's a cult hero, maybe even a legend. He'll go on to be at the club, but at left back, he's not Lewis Hall.
00:24:53
Iain
so
00:24:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
And ah yeah it's it's it's it's a big um <unk> big statement for Lewis Hall because as you said, last season, He was one of the best in league. He missed half a season. And when we did the i when I did the team of the season pod with the Premier League guys, I said if Lewis Hall was fit for another 10 games, he he'd be team of the season left back.
00:25:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
So he is that good, but...
00:25:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
I almost think we need younger backups, if that makes sense. Younger backups who are looking to push.
00:25:23
Iain
yeah
00:25:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
like I don't want to say a Harrison Ashby because he hasn't really done it. But players who are just going to run.
00:25:31
Iain
He's not the answer, is he?
00:25:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, he's not the answer, but players who are just going to run and run and run. um So what do you think about that? Would you say full-backs actually might be a key signing next season, just as backup for Liverpool and Hull?
00:25:48
Iain
if aspi Is first choice left back at the reserves?
00:25:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
No. He doesn't even get a game.
00:25:53
Iain
who is does he not well I don't think we've tried Murphy enough Alex Murphy I like him I don't know if like him when I've seen him because he's played centre half or because he played left back but I do like the look of the bits and pieces I've seen of Leo Sahar who is a good player right back maybe he needs to come in maybe he needs to be picked before when all craft is picked again
00:25:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't think. No, I think he's injured at the moment.
00:26:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
so yeah He was good at Bolton. I've seen that.
00:26:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. He looks like he's going to come through.
00:26:23
Iain
let's have ah Let's have a look at him properly.
00:26:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:26:27
Iain
if If there's nothing due and if there's no spark there, then they need more time. then Then maybe we've got to go and buy couple of fullbacks, younger fullbacks.
00:26:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, absolutely.
00:26:37
Iain
think that I think that would be Emil Kraft out to pasture. don't think there'd be any point hanging on to him.
00:26:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. No, I agree.
00:26:46
Iain
and
00:26:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think Kraft leaves in the summer, to be honest. I think he's been a great servant. I'm so happy that he still gets games for Sweden. um But it's it's just one of those where, what would we pay for him? 3 million? 2.5? Something like that.
00:27:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah From Angers, I think it was in France. but He's more than paid off that 2.5. Let him go be starter somewhere. Let him go back to France or go back to Sweden and be a starter somewhere and let him finish his career with a bang.
00:27:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But we do need, for me, I mean, I said it in the summer window, the gone. I thought we needed another left back, even though we were stacked. um And I'm annoyed that I was right and because it didn't look like I could be i really when I made the statement.
00:27:25
Iain
and
00:27:32
Iain
No, not where we're going.
00:27:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
I felt like an idiot.
00:27:33
Iain
Oh, well, Trippier and Livermento can play left-back as well. Don't you worry about it
00:27:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:27:39
Iain
ah One of those options I had was that Alex Murphy would be covering.
00:27:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
it didn't It didn't seem possible.
00:27:43
Iain
And he's not he's nowhere near it.
00:27:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
True.
00:27:45
Iain
He's nowhere near it.
00:27:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
No.
00:27:46
Iain
He was on the bench against Atletico.
00:27:50
Iain
Atletic Club, sorry.
00:27:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, actually, didn't I didn't realise that.
00:27:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
didn't realise that at all, to be honest.
00:27:53
Iain
Yeah, yeah. He got on the bench. But that might have been because Asula came out and, you know, he was kicking around.
00:28:01
Iain
He came out very late on. and
00:28:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:04
Iain
One other solution, which which if you're looking at,
00:28:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
no
00:28:07
Iain
ah ways of attacking the low block could be to have our super three let's be honest Chow, Botman and Byrne let's say at centre half Chow can also do his right back Byrne can also do his left back you could put some quite attacking wing backs in there you could put Barnes or Gordon on the left side Murphy or Langer on the right side and then
00:28:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:28:37
Iain
then you have got a spot for Valtemada to play 10 yards further back and pick people out.
00:28:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:45
Iain
don't know.
00:28:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's certainly an option.
00:28:48
Iain
That's interesting. It's only in the when we can't have Tino or Hall playing there.
00:28:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:55
Iain
I'm just looking for some alternatives.
00:28:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, agreed.
00:28:57
Iain
But it'd be nice to have something as wild as that and then have Tino and Hall playing at wing-backs.
00:29:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I cannot wait for those two to return because I'm looking at it and thinking... If we go into the derby without those two, I'm slightly cautious.
00:29:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
If we have them fit, I'm fully confident. That's the difference between us with those two and us without them. They're brilliant. um But on to the next one.
00:29:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Newcastle United have looked worse at set pieces since Martin Mark came to the club. Agree or disagree?
00:29:38
Iain
Is he the set piece coach?
00:29:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes.
00:29:41
Iain
Well, poor old Martin Mark. What can you do? I think ah think that ah think Dan Burns scored a great set-piece routine. That was off the training ground, wasn't it, where he came storming in?
00:29:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, fantastic.
00:29:55
Iain
It's only Athletic Club that could leave him totally unmarked on the back post for him to score that header. I don't know. ah can remember there being a season where we'd never scored from a corner.
00:30:09
Iain
And the number of games since we'd scored from a corner was getting up to 35, 40.
00:30:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:30:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hundreds.
00:30:15
Iain
A while ago, pre-Eddie Howe. But I think we're rubbish at taking a particular direct free kick.
00:30:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'd agree.
00:30:25
Iain
don't know if anybody who wants to do that. We tend to just lob the... I mean, it's same. You know it's going to be lobbed lofted high for Burn to flick it on.
00:30:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:30:35
Iain
Or Chow to flick it on. And I hope that it drops to somebody who can put it in. But it doesn't seem very sophisticated. I do like some of the corners where the little back heels are going on.
00:30:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
No.
00:30:46
Iain
You know, that's that set-piece coach that did those for Callum Wilson to score a few.
00:30:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:30:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:30:51
Iain
and I don't think you could say it's worse now than it's ever been, though.
00:30:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think it's more worse in comparison to last season, um if I've looked it correctly, which I ah kind of ah agree with, but I only agree with it because who was doing it last year?
00:30:57
Iain
I think they could.
00:31:01
Iain
Ready?
00:31:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
It was Jason Tindall. Jason Tindall has been working with us on set pieces for three and a bit years. Martin Mark has been doing it for not even three and a bit months.
00:31:20
Iain
Okay.
00:31:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
So for him to come in and have all these ideas, I want to do things differently. It is going to take a little while for the players to master those routines. Let's be honest, you're working on set pieces every week, but you're not going to master them straight away.
00:31:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
I do think you'll we will come good with them. I do think there's a lot of potential there. And to be honest, we're not even one of the worst in the league at set pieces.
00:31:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think we're about mid-table, which ain't great. We were, I think, fourth or fifth last season. um So it is worse, but I think we will get a lot better because of that and It's just one of those where we've got someone specifically working on it now.
00:32:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
We saw the benefits against Bilbao, as you said, great header by Dan Byrne. I mean, maybe that's the Spanish naivety of letting the six foot six fella are completely monmarked at the back post.
00:32:10
Iain
like
00:32:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
um
00:32:18
Iain
We can mark them so don't waste a player doing it.
00:32:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
But yeah, it's,
00:32:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, exactly. We can't do it, so we won't do it. I do think it'll get better. um it's I mean, it will get better, won't it? Let's be honest, the talent that we've got.
00:32:31
Iain
but He's introduced the yeah the long throw as a new set piece this year as well, isn't it?
00:32:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, although I think every team has adopted that this year.
00:32:38
Iain
and and um Yeah, but I think we've scored... I can remember one word was flicked on.
00:32:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Liverpool, we scored from it, yeah.
00:32:48
Iain
Right, that's it, yeah.
00:32:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Bruno's second goal, well, the second goal, Bruno got it. Tap in at the back post.
00:32:54
Iain
Yeah.
00:32:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
It was a decent one.
00:32:56
Iain
So... i don't I don't know whoever's attacking there. haven't given them enough time, I would say.
00:33:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I agree.
00:33:04
Iain
And there and there are some there are some fruits there.
00:33:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then...
00:33:07
Iain
So, yeah, that'll improve.
00:33:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, absolutely. And then the fourth one that I had, because I had picked out five, was you does Johan Wisser and Nick Valtemar start together when he's back? We talked about that earlier.
00:33:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then the final one was, have Newcastle United developed a mentality of settling for a one ni um win when we go 1-0 up instead of trying to smash teams like we did a few years ago?
00:33:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
And is it costing us more games than it causes us to win?
00:33:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
I've tried to reword it and probably made it more wordy, to be honest.
00:33:45
Iain
I mean, I kind of agree with that. If we we scored it very early against West Ham, I would have loved to have just kept going at them because they must have been ready to fold like a broken deck chair.
00:33:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:33:58
Iain
But we sat off them, didn't we? And we gave them confidence to come on to us.
00:34:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:34:05
Iain
Kind of did that.
00:34:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, you're bowing in Paquette that time on the ball.
00:34:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's curtains, isn't it?
00:34:09
Iain
Yeah. So... but But when we establish that intensity as our identity, 12 months into that, with all the success that it brought, there were a lot of injuries that were brought as well.
00:34:23
Iain
So I think the hand of Bunce is at work in suggesting once we scored, we shut up shop for 10 minutes just to consolidate and then see how the game is playing out, which I disagree with.
00:34:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:34:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:34:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
You're probably right.
00:34:38
Iain
I think if you know that there's a team floundering, You get after them. But, you know, but don't think we'll ever go three up in the first ten minutes against Tottenham again.
00:34:48
Iain
And that's sad.
00:34:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
No.
00:34:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
100% agreed.
00:34:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it's a different one because you you you are looking at it and thinking, right, we we've still picked up quite a few injuries so far this campaign. Obviously, we've got five out um for the weekend and a couple have just come back.
00:35:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
So it is really difficult to say, oh, you know, we we haven't been going full pelt at it because the injuries are still there. um But you can see when we play, there's a clear difference in intensity from a couple of years ago.
00:35:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think that that, as you say, that is a large part of it. We we are sitting back after we score that first goal. And it is actually quite worrying because I think any time we score at the minute, I'm just expecting us to try and soak up pressure for 10 minutes.
00:35:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I hate that, to be honest. I don't know what you think, but...
00:35:38
Iain
it's not right it's not anything if you try and do anything excuse me try and do anything and you're not flat out to do it the best then it doesn't work it's half arsed it's half arsed and it looks half arsed and the opposition will know because they've played against Newcastle for the last two or three seasons they know how tough it is suddenly it's a lot easier than it was
00:35:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, that's true. Even if we tried the press, we don't have the energy.
00:35:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:36:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:36:03
Iain
their confidence comes back before we've done anything wrong.
00:36:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, you're expecting a much tougher time. And then when it's easier than you think, all of a sudden you get your head up and you think, hang on, we can win this. um So yeah, I think that's exactly what happened against West Ham, to be honest. They hit the post early on, we scored.
00:36:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then they had 10 minutes of possession, dominated the game, and they went, yeah, we're going to get back into this. um So yeah, that's the low block. That's been some fan concerns that, to be fair, we agree with quite a lot of them.
00:36:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
um the ah There are problems for Newcastle to address. There's Brentfed on Sunday, and then we've got two weeks to address them, with half the squad away on international duty.
00:36:42
Iain
you
00:36:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
I've been Michael Grameslow, been joined by Ian Burkai. Join us on Sunday for the Reaction Pod, straight after full-time. And until then, how are the lads?