Much has been said about the way Newcastle played under Rafa Benitez, with his ultra defensive tactics against the top sides often being the subject of scrutiny in the media.
Pundits often could not agree whether to laud him for his tactical genius, or pillory him for robbing a game of being a spectacle. But what they did agree on, was that on the whole it worked, even seeing us pinch a win over Manchester City, which is still their last league defeat at the time of writing.
When Steve Bruce had the unenviable job of replacing him, he also promised a more expansive, attacking game. But with a host of injuries and games against a couple of the top sides, it has not come to fruition yet.
In fact, it is difficult to say much has changed at all, with similar formations and displays being used, and tactics being eerily similar to those of last season.
Only one lapse from the defence from opening four Premier League games
Apart from an hour at Carrow Road, the defence has looked as solid and steadfast as it was under Rafa.
That Norwich capitulation was a warning sign, and it seemed to be a wake-up call for Bruce’s side.
It can be no coincidence that it was followed by a Herculean display at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which saw a defensive masterclass, and was the epitome of counter-attacking football.
They, of course, did not even get out of the starting blocks before conceding in the opening minute against Watford, but they recvovered, and although only getting a point, the defence rarely looked in trouble for the other 89 minutes of the game.
Central defence benefits from strength in depth
The heart of defence is the one area where Newcastle have proper quality in depth, strengthened further by the way Paul Dummett has adapted to a central role from his previous full-back position.
With Fabian Schar, Dummett and Jamaal Lascelles as the first choice trio, it remains to be seen what happens when Florian Lejeune is fit.
Add to that Federico Fernandez, who played in the Carabao Cup and has come off the bench in the Premier League and looked accomplished, and the versatile Ciaran Clark, it should be an example to Lee Charnley and Mike Ashley of the benefits of having quality competition for places throughout the squad.
Full-back areas is only cause for defensive concern
As ever, it is the full-back, or wing-back, areas that are the biggest worry, particularly in light of Matt Ritchie’s injury.
Such was Ritchie’s form, it would be difficult for anyone to replace him, and in Jetro Willems, Newcastle have a player who looks capable, but still needs to find his feet in the English game.
On the other flank, Javier Manquillo continues to flatter to deceive, although he has looked better this season than he did for most of last.
The jury is still out on Emil Krafth, the new signing, brought in to provide right-back competition, does not appear the most fluent player in a wing-back role.
His mobility does not seem great, and he seems reluctant to overlap on the right wing, which has seen huge gaps begging to be filled, and no one in the vicinity to get on the ball.
He may be more adept in an orthodox full-back role, and with the pacy DeAndre Yedlin returning to fitness, the American may well be the first choice right wing-back for another season on Tyneside.
Verdict
As much as fans would like to see a more open, attacking Newcastle, it makes sense to make the most of your strengths, and in Bruce’s case, that is his defence.
While they continue to suffer from injuries, they are likely to persist with the ‘saftey first’ approach, and it is hard to argue with that outlook.
It has looked pretty solid, assuming the Norwich game was an outlier, and as long as they are on their game from the first whistle, and not caught cold again, like they were against Watford, they will, hopefully, pick up more points than they lose against the teams expected to be in and around them in May.
Overall Grade: B
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
