He Can't Keep Getting Away With This: The Newcastle Story
Oct 24, 2023
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Newcastle United's impressive numbers and weird stats are analyzed. Their tactical approach and improved efficiency are explored. The types of soccer teams and their performance are compared. The impact of injuries on a successful soccer team is discussed. Good management and team performance in the Premier League are evaluated. The factors influencing Newcastle's success and the path to sustainable success are debated.
40:28
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Quick takeaways
Newcastle United's impressive statistical performances in the Premier League, particularly in attack, can be attributed to Eddie Howe's tactical approach and efficient finishing from strikers Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak.
Newcastle's success in building a competitive team without excessive spending is a result of Eddie Howe's strategic recruitment and player development, highlighting his ability to identify and maximize the potential of players who fit his tactical approach.
Deep dives
Newcastle’s Surprising Performance in the Premier League
Newcastle United is currently leading the Premier League in multiple statistical categories, including goal difference, expected goal difference, and non-penalty expected goal difference, despite playing against difficult opponents. Their attack, led by strikers Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak, has been incredibly efficient, converting a high percentage of their touches in the attacking third and opponents' penalty area into expected goals. This efficiency, coupled with their solid defensive numbers, has been a key factor in their success. Eddie Howe, Newcastle's manager, has implemented a unique tactical approach similar to Borussia Mönchengladbach's successful season in 2019-2020. Howe's ability to improve players like Anthony Gordon has been instrumental in Newcastle's surprising performances. While there may be skepticism about the sustainability of Newcastle's current form, their strong performances against various opponents suggest that they have the ability to adapt and succeed in different game situations.
Analyzing Newcastle's Tactical Approach
Eddie Howe has displayed his tactical expertise with Newcastle, implementing a system that combines elements from successful teams like Borussia Mönchengladbach and Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham Hotspur. Newcastle's attack has relied on efficient finishing from strikers Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak, who have produced impressive goal-scoring numbers. Howe's system emphasizes creating high-quality chances from limited touches in the attacking third and opponents' penalty area. Furthermore, Howe has showcased his ability to enhance players' performances, as seen with Anthony Gordon's improvement since joining Newcastle. While questions remain about the long-term sustainability of Newcastle's tactics, their current success and adaptability make them a formidable team in the Premier League.
Newcastle's Talent Evaluation and Recruitment
Newcastle's success cannot be solely attributed to their significant financial investments, as they have not spent exorbitant amounts on player acquisitions. Instead, their good recruitment decisions, such as signing Alexander Isak and the impressive performances of players like Anthony Gordon, suggest Eddie Howe's ability to identify players who fit his tactical approach. Howe's track record with players who possess raw talent but lack a structured game, like Gordon, indicates his skill in developing and maximizing their potential. Newcastle's strategic recruitment and player development have allowed them to build a competitive team without a bloated wage bill, positioning them favorably for sustainable success.
The Uncertainty and Potential of Newcastle's Future
While Newcastle's current form and statistical performances in the Premier League are impressive, there are still questions regarding the long-term viability of their tactics and the sustainability of their success. It remains to be seen if they can maintain their efficient attacking and solid defensive numbers against more challenging opponents. Evaluating their performance after a substantial number of games will provide a clearer picture of Newcastle's tactical evolution. Additionally, how well they adapt and maintain their level throughout the season will also be crucial in determining their potential for a sustained top-four challenge. Despite uncertainties, their strong performances and tactical flexibility make them an intriguing team to watch.
Their numbers are so good. Drill down a little and their numbers are so weird. And this was true last season too except they were weird in a completely different way! What are we to make of this?