Newcastle United suddenly look back to their old selves, as they bullied Arsenal into submission to win 1-0.
The Magpies have now beaten two ‘big six’ clubs in the space of a few days without conceding a goal. It is like the Newcastle United of old. Eddie Howe’s players had a mean streak in them, while there was a fluidity in their performance that allowed them to dent Arsenal’s Premier League title aspirations.
Eddie Howe made changes to the team that beat Chelsea in the Carabao Cup. Emil Krafth, Lloyd Kelly and Sandro Tonali came out, while Tino Livramento, Dan Burn and Bruno Guimaraes came in.
The decision to drop Tonali to the bench was controversial. The Chelsea game was Tonali’s best ever Newcastle performance, yet suddenly he found himself as a substitute.
It was a bold decision from Howe, but one that completely paid off.
What Micah Richards loved about the Newcastle team against Arsenal
With Tonali on the bench, Howe went with Sean Longstaff, Bruno and Joe Willock in the midfield. The latter was on the left of the central trio, with Joelinton operating on the left wing.
That decision gave Newcastle greater balance, and is a major reason why they were able to beat Arsenal at St James’ Park.
That is the view of Micah Richards, who praised the Magpies’ performance on BBC Match Of The Day.
“I thought they were excellent, especially down that left-hand side,” he said.
“I thought Hall in particular was really good. But I did like the balance of the team. They’ve tried different formations and at times Newcastle have not got the balance right.
“With Hall, Willock and Joelinton, they got it absolutely spot on, offensively and defensively. With little rotations, movement, work rate, everything they did was together. There was a togetherness about them.”
Newcastle have the blueprint for success again
When Newcastle qualified for the Champions League, they had a very settled style of play. The team did not change much. Every player knew their role, and it was executed to perfection.
This season, Newcastle have been a bit lost. There has not been the fluidity in possession, while performances have been very lopsided. It has been about moments, rather than 90 minutes.
That now appears to have changed, with Eddie Howe reverting back to a tactic that once brought him so much success.
Joelinton and Joe Willock dovetail brilliantly together, while they also have the legs and intelligence to help the left-back. That was vital on Saturday, as Newcastle kept Bukayo Saka quiet.
Newcastle have gone back to what they know, whilst trying to take it to the next level. Hall adds a different dimension at left-back, and is continuing his outstanding start to the season.
It has been clear that Newcastle have a problem with balance this season, but now Howe appears to have found the solution.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
