Newcastle United recorded a much-needed victory on Saturday night.
Eddie Howe’s side may not be the watertight defensive outfit they were last season but Newcastle still found a way to beat Nottingham Forest.
Indeed, Bruno Guimaraes scored twice in a 3-2 victory, emerging from the City Ground with all three points despite being pegged back twice.
While the win is obviously welcome, Newcastle remain fallible defensively.
Much was made about Dan Burn’s performance against Luton and his continued presence in the team but Howe leapt to the £13m star’s defence after the game.
Dan Burn: Eddie Howe praises Newcastle star
Though Burn was outpaced for Anthony Elanga’s goal to make it 1-1 on Saturday night, Howe insisted the defender proved a “giant” at the back.
He told The Chronicle: “He was a normal and positive influence on the group. We weren’t perfect defensively we had issues with a couple of attacks we had where our midfield was too open.
“It exposed our back four. There is stuff for us to work on, reflect on and try to improve. Our balance isn’t 100% right for us.
“But I thought Dan was a giant for us in set-plays as he always is. He certainly contributed in the second half to a much better defensive display.”
Dan Burn: How did Newcastle star play vs Nottingham Forest?
There’s not much Burn can do about his lack of pace. That wasn’t a problem last season, after all.
So, it’s worth looking at the things Burn does do well.
As per WhoScored data, only Sven Botman won more aerial duels (6 to 4), while no one made more interceptions (2), tackles (3) or clearances (13).
Clearly, he’s not perfect but there are certainly merits to his game. That kind of resolute defensive performance will be needed if Newcastle are going to put a run together.
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