Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle drew 0-0 with Fulham at St James’ Park this afternoon and the final whistle was met with audible boos from the home support.
Both sides cancelled each other out after lining up with cautious five at the back formations.
It was a pretty dismal affair and neither team looked particularly threatening in the final third.
Newcastle fans were left the most disappointed though, as the Toon failed to register a single shot on target.
Fulham haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last 21 games in the Premier League, yet were able to break that duck against an ineffective Newcastle.
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The Magpies meanwhile continue their miserable run of form at St James’ Park. No team in the top four tiers of the English league has lost more games at home this season (7).
The result against Fulham has left some Toon supporters baffled, and they are now beginning to question Benitez’s approach to home fixtures.
Newcastle fans react to Fulham match
Benitez’s Back Five
From the way he lined up versus Fulham, it’s clear Benitez believes his side are one of the weakest in the league.
Despite Fulham’s poor defensive form, the Spaniard was clearly wary of their attacking potential.
The five at the back formation certainly waved away those fears against Fulham, but it can be frustrating.
Although it’s allowed Rafa to avoid heavy defeats in recent matches, the formation has seen Newcastle struggle when on the front foot.
At home, The Magpies are always going to have more possession, but seem devoid of ideas when not on the counter.
It’s also likely Benitez has lost some confidence in a back four since a 3-0 home defeat to West Ham.
The game came after a winning run of three matches for Newcastle, but a return to a back four saw them outclassed by The Hammers.
He’s relied on a back five ever since, but it’s given mixed results.
But with Liverpool and Man United on the horizon, he’s unlikely to change tact just yet.
