- 19 hours ago
Newcastle's dark arts approach is resulting in wins and Arsenal headlosses - they shouldn't change
Jacque Talbot
- 7 Nov 2023 04:30 CST
- 4 min read
Eddie Howe took a sabbatical after leaving his previous job at Bournemouth. During this time, he shadowed Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone in Spain.
But while you would be forgiven for believing it was purely for an assessment of gameplay and training drills, it has become apparent it was a whole lot more.
Teams are struggling against Newcastle because they are technically excellent. The tactics are superb, their pressing, intensity, and ability to generate some of the best xG in the Premier League have been fundamental to their success over the past two seasons.
But there are clubs with better players out there. Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City all have squads that should, on paper at least, be beating Howe's side, who boast the seventh-highest squad value in the division.
But Newcastle are finding their wins against these sides, and it's down to their mental approach to games; methods which aren't the most clean-cut or popular to most. Their win against Arsenal at the weekend is a huge case in point.
Even the most fervent Newcastle fan would struggle to contend that Bruno Guimaraes was lucky not to receive a yellow card until late in the game. He was relentless against Jorginho, barging into the midfielder, mocking him, using high arms - and elbows -when heading into challenges.
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Laws of the game aside, you do not need evidence to see that his treatment of the Italian midfielder got to the player, who refused to shake the hands of the club captain, Jamaal Lascelles, after the game. Newcastle push the boundaries of the game and will stretch every conceivable element of gaining an advantage, even if that raises some eyebrows.
Intensity is a word that has been used a lot in relation to the Magpies, but it's quite clear to see that their mantra is not just about utilising a high press and trying to force turnovers late in the game in the final third despite being 3-0 up. It's also about securing those fine margins, hoping to rattle some of the opposition by any means necessary. It's deployed with a degree of artistry, too. It's not disorderly, either.
Why no one enjoys playing ruthless Newcastle
Their conduct, pushing the line, often appears refined and calculated, knowing when to turn it on. They will slow the game down when they need to, through prolonged injuries and other means. This label of being 'time-wasters' has annoyed some among their support, but last season's data suggests it's a fair assessment.
Arsenal players lost their heads towards the end of the game, their tactics became secondary to their emotions and they were unable to bring a goal back. Their head coach's words after the game and the subsequent statement are a testament to how far Newcastle pushed them.
It may not be pretty to the neutral, but it appears hugely effective. Sport is there to be pushed to the limit, and as long as Newcastle are somewhat using that within the confines of the game, then there is not a lot anyone can do.
