Adrian Clarke looks at tactical battles set to take place in Matchweek 8.
Manchester United v Newcastle United
Newcastle United have been pegged back inside their own half too much this season. Why is that?
Tactically, there has not been a dramatic shift from Rafael Benitez.
He still likes to set his team up in a deep-lying block and will readily concede possession with the hope of launching counter-attacks.
Missing Gayle
One of the key differences for the Magpies this season has been the absence of Dwight Gayle. The striker’s pace and vibrancy has been missed.
Last season Gayle featured in 35 Premier League matches, starting 23, and provided Newcastle with a useful out ball.
Working in tandem with the lively Ayoze Perez, there was a zip and energy about the Magpies' front line that helped the side alleviate pressure.
Releasing longer passes down the channels for either man to chase, or using the strike pairing’s sharp movement to build play through the lines, Newcastle were able to get a foothold in matches, gain territory and pose danger as an attacking entity.
Having a less mobile target man up front now, in Joselu or Salomon Rondon, has made it harder to get out of their own half.
As a team they have suffered as an attacking force. Newcastle have had the fewest shots in the division and are struggling to get inside the box.
Newcastle compared with last season
| 2017/18 | Rank | 2018/19 | rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shots/90 | 11.9 | 9 | 7.4 | 20 |
| Shots on target/90 | 3.9 | 10 | 2.6 | 20= |
| Touches in opp. box/90 | 16.9 | 10 | 14.7 | 19 |
| Time in defensive third | 29% | 7= | 31% | 1= |
Perez dip
Last season’s talisman for Newcastle was Perez, who was directly involved in 13 PL goals, scoring eight times.
This term he has struggled to replicate this form, failing to register a goal or an assist.
Perez has stretched opponents less often with his runs, and has been unable to get on to the ball as often as last season.
When his recent output in the final third is compared with his contributions last term, the change is stark.
Getting more from him, and finding a way to improve his chemistry with summer signing Rondon, is crucial.
Perez's PL stats
| 2017/18 | 2018/19 | |
|---|---|---|
| Mins/chance created | 69.2 | 246.5 |
| Passes/90 | 25.9 | 16.6 |
| Mins/shot | 49.8 | 98.6 |
| Top speed km/h | 34.1 | 32.7 |
Passing must improve
Greater care in possession would also enhance Newcastle’s prospects of a positive result at Manchester United.
Benitez’s side have not passed the ball well this season.
While a lack of movement in forward areas is to blame in some respects, they must find a way to move the ball better through the lines.
This way they would get more from Perez and Jonjo Shelvey, too.
Newcastle's passing in PL
| 2017/18 | 2018/19 | |
|---|---|---|
| Ave possession % | 43.8 | 39.1 |
| Pass accuracy % | 72.3 | 66.8 |
| Long pass % | 18.6 | 22.5 |
A fast start would help Newcastle at Old Trafford.
Last season they scored first in 17 out of 38 PL fixtures, but have yet to do so in 2018/19.
Catching an under-pressure Man Utd side off guard by changing tack and implementing an attacking approach may bear fruit.
Also in this series
Part 1: Arnautovic leading West Ham revival from the front
Part 2: How Hojbjerg has raised his game with Saints
Part 4: Imperious Sterling can deliver rare Anfield joy
