Reporter shares how Newcastle quickly had to adapt against Brentford

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United had to make an early change to their game plan against Brentford last time out.

An early red card handed the Magpies the initiative after 11 minutes, with Eddie Howe’s side going on to win 2-0 thanks to goals from Joelinton and Joe Willock.

However, the players had to adapt their plan even before the red card. That’s because of the way Brentford set up.

Newcastle changed on the fly against Brentford

Speaking on the latest episode of the Athletic’s Pod On The Tyne, reporter Chris Waugh explained how Newcastle had been preparing for the game with Brentford.

“What was impressive about the plan that they had and the structured way that Howe wanted to play on Saturday was that they actually prepared for Brentford to play with that back five which they usually play with,” Waugh said.

“And they managed to adjust, first of all to that, and then to the fact they were playing against 10 men.

So he’s also got them not only playing in a certain way but also being able to…it’s not the strict parameters that you have to play this way, there’s no change. It’s to think on your feet, to problem solve and work through these problems. And they did that.”

Howe has simply transformed Newcastle

Brentford have played with a back five pretty much all season, so it’s no surprise that Howe set up his team to face that system.

However, it quickly became apparent that Thomas Frank’s side were deploying four at the back. Things became even more convoluted when the Bees went down to 10 men early on.

But Howe’s men adapted. They reacted to the differences and changes and thrived. Newcastle constantly got down the flanks, putting dangerous ball after dangerous ball into the Brentford penalty area.

During Steve Bruce’s tenure, the Magpies were very one dimensional. We waited to see how our opponents setup and reacted to them. But Howe’s side are proactive.

There has been a remarkable improvement from a lot of players since Howe took over. But the team’s overall tactical awareness has been boosted too. For too long we were passive in games and invited teams onto us.

That’s why our defence was so flimsy. But now we look resolute and solid – words that haven’t been uttered since the Rafa Benitez days.

Howe has already done a remarkable job with Newcastle, but this is only the beginning. His side will continue to improve, and continue to test themselves against top opposition.

The Eddie Howe revolution continues.