Newcastle vs Chelsea: Tactical Preview

03.12.11 – Saturday 12:45pm

Location: St James’ Park

Early prospects:  Somber, reflective / positive

Newcastle United return to St James’ Park this Saturday to complete the much dreaded trio of Premier League fixtures, hosting Andre Villas-Boas’s Chelsea.

An extremely hard earned point at Old Trafford a week previous has at least ensured we will leave this trio of ‘someone’ oppositions with some share of the spoils when a morale sapping white-wash of losses (regardless of performances) could have easily occurred.  Furthermore, with home advantage and our opposition in shaky form we have every right to fancy our chances against what is still without doubt a stronger side on paper.  Many said leaving this string of games with four points would represent not only a good return but a clear sign of progress in the face of the disingenuous, who believed our position after 11 games was a false one – the hypothetical ‘lose-draw-win scenario’ only 90 favourable minutes away from reality.  The stage is set…

Thoughts of course cannot bypass that of the tragedy of Gary Speed’s passing last Sunday.  I can only echo the words my counter-part here spoke of at the end of the Manchester United report – not only at the utter shock at the news I was desperately hoping was false, but the incredible deflation and sadness it brought – the utter tragedy of it only serving to amplify the emotions felt for a man who I dearly admired both on and off the pitch.  The tributes by both clubs and fans alike have been very fitting to Speedo, as do those planned for the game this Saturday – whether it be standing in silence, rapturous applause or anything else, I’m sure you’ll be joining me in showing the utmost respect to Gary Speed the man, the role model, the legend.  You’ll never be forgotten Speedo.

Team Line-ups:
After a solid, if not entirely irresistible start to the season our opposition have fell out of sorts of late – having lost five out of their last nine and drawing one in all competitions.

After the draw at Old Trafford last week, NUFC have had a week to take stock and recharge weary limbs.  No fresh injuries have surfaced at the time of writing, but Jonas Gutierrez has a one game ban to serve after his two needless yellows last week and will leave a pretty troublesome void to fill.  With would-be usual replacement Sylvain Marveaux injured for the foreseeable future, realistic candidates for the LM spot are Shane Ferguson and Sammy Ameobi (save for an unlikely stationing of Ben Arfa or Lovenkrands there) – Sammy being the most likely to fill in given Alan Pardew’s recent unwavering involvement of the youngster.  Cheick Tiote remains side lined and barring late injury should be once again admirably covered by the solid Danny Guthrie – otherwise it’s as you were.

Remaining involved in three separate competitions (until the start of this week at least), Chelsea have rotated their squad to suit.  A team of mixed experience took to the field in Tuesday’s defeat to Liverpool, however it was devoid of the majority of what could be considered Chelsea’s first XI – mainstays such as Terry, Cech and Sturridge not even called to the substitutes’ bench.  Frank Lampard featured for the full 90minutes so could likely miss out on the starting XI for this fixture.  Otherwise a starting XI very similar to that which faced West Brom at Stamford Bridge is expected.

Opposition strengths and notable dangers:
Although looking more fragile than the Chelsea steamrolling machine of recent memory, the Villas-Boas project is only in its early stages and the Blues still possess enough attacking talent to have registered 28 goals in their 13 PL fixtures so far.

1.    Sturridge and Mata: Operating freely from the flanks, these two talented youngsters pose considerable threat to NUFC’s tender full-back positions – a combined 9 goals and 7 assists between them in their appearances this season only reinforcing thoughts towards their threat to goal.

2.    Ball greedy:  Although Chelsea over recent years have been a particularly strong side on the ball, their efficiency in possession has been perhaps undervalued, especially when compared to more celebrated carpet footballers such as Arsenal and Swansea.  So far this season Chelsea hold both the best successful pass percentage (a silky 86%) and the highest average possession per game (at 58%).  It’s imperative that NUFC recognise this – both in efficiency in their own possession and in maintaining discipline when without the ball.

3.    Physical presence:  Again, sometimes overlooked given the more silky intelligence attributes possessed, Chelsea’s team is one of the more physically impressive out of the top teams – particularly the strength and work-rate areas leaving them very rarely outmuscled or overran.

Tactical suggestions:
As was the case at Old Trafford last week, this game represents a very good opportunity for NUFC to exercise savvy tactics to gain a share of the spoils when the opposition possess more ability on the whole.

1.    Use the flanks: Both Branislav Ivanovic and Ashley Cole regularly venture up field to create width and deliver, while the inside forwards concentrate on attacking directly – in turn leaving the wide areas open to attack and Chelsea’s central defenders exposed.  A positive looking NUFC should seek to favour the flanks, particularly when breaking – the explosive pace of Gabriel Obertan against Cole and the eccentric dribbling of Sammy Ameobi against the heavy footed Ivanovic both having the potential to cause their relative rivals problems.  Obertan in particular should be looking to play a more athletic (perhaps cruder) game against the smaller but more intelligent Cole to avoid being nullified by the experienced full-back.

2.    Press high, use pace: Much in the way that NUFC did to much effect in the first half against Manchester United.  Chelsea’s vulnerable high defensive line, coupled with an insistence to open up and play away from deep has exposed them on numerous (very notable) occasions.  Demba Ba has always proved willing to press from the front, and if assisted at times by the supporting Ben Arfa and either winger, it could catch the opposition napping.

3.    Be careful in possession:  With note to CFC’s excellent efficiency in possession, NUFC should look to match their opposition with their care with the ball – much as was done against Tottenham earlier in the season.  Midfield will be the area which this is most important – knowing Chelsea will have bodies winning and able to close down our players in possession from where they can quickly build attacks.

Final thought and gut feeling:
Trying to keep thoughts entirely on the football, this game represents a very big opportunity for NUFC – astonishing that a win would see NUFC four points clear in fourth position (third at least briefly given the early KO time) at the start of December, well beyond the most ambitious supporter’s wildest expectations.  But that said, we cannot underestimate our opposition in any way shape or form – they may be out of sorts but could easily strike back at an unsuspecting foe if taken for granted.  I’d expect NUFC to be up for this one, and backed by an emotionally charged sell-out crowd we can look positively, if not conservatively at this one: score draw.

Tactical analysis: Man United 1 Newcastle 1 in 5 key points

26.11.11 – Saturday 3pm
Old Trafford
Barclays Premier League

The RESPECT campaign is alive and well...

Man United 1
Hernandez 49

Newcastle 1
Ba (pen 64)
Gutierrez sent off 79

4th placed Newcastle travelled to Manchester for the second time in a week to face 2nd placed Man United at Old Trafford and left with a hard earned point after an entertaining 1-1 draw.

The home side took the lead 4 minutes after half time when a Wayne Rooney free kick, on the edge of the penalty area, pinballed into the Newcastle net off the mid section of Javier Hernandez – very much a case of right place, right time for The Red Devils’ Mexican marksman.

The lead only lasted quarter of an hour, however, before Newcastle were presented the opportunity to level from the spot. Referee Mike Jones initially, and correctly, awarded Newcastle a corner for Rio Ferdinand’s outstretched tackle on Ben Arfa, but after conversing with linesman John Flynn he changed his decision and pointed to the spot. Replays clearly showed that Ferdinand had won the ball, but nonetheless Demba Ba stepped up to side foot the fortuitous penalty into David De Gea’s net. Newcastle were made to endure a nervy final 10 minutes a man short, after Jonas Gutierrez’ sending off for a second yellow card, but they defended resolutely to earn a share of the spoils.

1. Team selection and tactics

Newcastle were able to welcome former Man United man Gabriel Obertan back following his toe injury, with the Frenchman lining up on the right of midfield at the expense of Sammy Ameobi who dropped to the bench. This was to be Newcastle’s only change from the side that were defeated 3-1 against Man City at the Etihad Stadium the weekend previous. Sir Alex Ferguson made 5 changes to the side which had drew 2-2 at home to Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday night as Nemanja Vidic, Ryan Giggs, Nani and Wayne Rooney replaced Phil Jones, Antonio Valencia, Darren Fletcher and Dimitar Berbatov in the starting line up.

Newcastle continued to use a 4-4-1-1 formation to accommodate Hatem Ben Arfa in his favoured role in between midfield and attack and, as they did against Man City last week, pressed high up the pitch and defended in numbers in an attempt to nullify their superior opponents’ naturally tendencies. Man United employed a rough 4-4-1-1 formation, with Wayne Rooney dropping deep from attack to link play, and typically played on the front foot with pace, movement and gusto and were relentless in their attacking, placing Newcastle under almost constant pressure as they chased the 3 points on offer.

2. Young unable to capitalise on Man United’s left side preference

Top: Young's 9 unsuccessful crosses. Bottom: United's left side preference

Man United played with two quick wingers – Ashley Young on the left and Nani on the right – as they looked to exploit Newcastle in wide areas. However, with Nani in frustratingly inconsistent form of late in the league, his Man United colleagues instead showed a preference for playing the ball to Young on the left wing, supported by the willing Patrice Evra at left back, but United’s £17 million summer signing was unable to deliver the service that Rooney and, in particular, Hernandez thrive on.

Young, as he often does when playing on the left, showed a tendency to cut inside onto his stronger right foot rather than attacking down the line. However, this only served to stifle his attacking options as he headed into a crowded midfield area and made an angle for his crosses which were easier to deal with for the Newcastle defenders. In fact, Young failed to find a teammate with any of his 9 crosses in to the box in what was a forgetful afternoon for the winger.

3. Off form Gutierrez

Gutierrez dispossessed (red) 3 times in Man United's half

Having said that about Ashley Young, his Newcastle counterpart – Jonas Gutierrez – had arguably one of his most disappointing afternoons on the left of midfield in a Newcastle shirt. When making his debut at Old Trafford in 2008, ‘Spiderman’ was up and down the wing and fulfilled his attacking and defensive duties in a way which we have come to expect, such is his reliability and consistency, but on the same ground in 2011 he cast a frustrated figure.

It’s very rare that you will hear a bad word said about Jonas from these parts, which is why I write this with a tinge of guilt, but it’s perhaps testament to his usual dependability that when he was off form it was so noticeable. He had the lowest passing accuracy of any Newcastle outfield player with only 12 of 21 passes finding a teammate and lost the ball in the opposition half on 3 occasions. Not an afternoon to remember for Jonas, whose misery was compounded in the 79th minute when he was sent off for a second yellow card.

4. Newcastle press high up the pitch

Newcastle tackles: half took place in and around Man United's half

Although a temptation when visiting Old Trafford would be to sit deep and park the bus against the league Champions, Newcastle adopted a high pressing approach which relied heavily on discipline and commitment, and which helped to prevent the Man United players time and space on the ball, particularly in the midfield area.

Newcastle pressed from the front, with Demba Ba, in the thankless lone striker role, showing an eagerness to chase down loose balls and pressure Ferdinand and Vidic in possession. However, it was behind him that the central midfield pairing of Danny Guthrie and Yohan Cabaye impressed with their stamina, work-rate and determination to pressurise their opponents and win the ball back, which they combined to do on no less than 9 occasions. A notable effort in the absence of chief midfield spoiler Cheick Tiote.

5. ‘Krul’s goal seemed to be protected by a forcefield’

Newcastle's 11 blocks in the penalty area, 5 of which were courtesy of Steven Taylor

That was the verdict of the BBC Sport match report and so it seemed at times. However, in truth, apart from Young’s shot which rebounded back off the post, that Newcastle’s goal wasn’t breached on more than 1 occasion owes a lot to the collective wasteful finishing of Man United, but more so the defensive performance of Newcastle’s back 4 and goalkeeper Tim Krul.

Of Man United’s 28 shots only 3% resulted in a goal, in comparison to Newcastle who were 4 times more effective; scoring with 12% of their 8 shots. Yet, of the 5 Man United shots that did hit the target, the Newcastle defence proved equal to them. Krul pulled off 2 superb saves, first from Ryan Giggs and later on from Vidic, Danny Simpson showed excellent anticipation and positioning to clear off the line late on from Javier Hernandez, and Steven Taylor was as resilient as ever with 5 last ditch blocks in the penalty area.  Still the league’s joint meanest defence and deservedly so.

At the end of the day…

Newcastle had to rely on a fortunate penalty decision to take a point from Old Trafford, but who’s to say they didn’t deserve it for their defensive performance, organisation and determination not to get beat.

On another day, if the Man United strikers had their shooting boots on, Newcastle could have came away on the back of a heavy defeat, but for now we’ll savour the point and toast to Newcastle’s 4th placed status in the Premier League, having only been beaten once by the side currently residing at the top of the table. Still haven’t played anyone though…

Following 5th placed Chelsea’s victory over Wolves on Saturday, the margin was cut to 1 point between Newcastle and Andre Villas-Boas’ side and nicely sets up an encounter between the two at St James’ Park on Saturday, 12.45pm kick off.

Finally, our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go to the family of Gary Speed.

As one of my all time favourite Newcastle players, not only for his ability on the pitch, but for his consummate professionalism off it, Sunday morning’s devastating, upsetting and incomprehensible news is still difficult to process, particularly given the circumstances.

I haven’t felt as affected about the death of someone who I haven’t known since Sir Bobby Robson passed away.

I guess you tend to identify more with those who you feel have the same adoration about the game you love, the city you love and the team you love and Gary, even a day before his untimely passing, still spoke highly of Newcastle on BBC’s Football Focus. I just hope he knew how much we adored him in return.

The tributes – from ex-teammates, friends, football fans and anyone else who Gary had an impact on – have been endless and are a testament to how well thought of he was. A true gentleman of the game. And I’m sure the tributes will continue long into the week before we will get to pay our own respects at St James’ Park on Saturday.

A truly sad and shocking loss for football, but more so for Gary’s family and friends. I can’t imagine how they must be feeling having to come to terms with this awful news.

Gary, it was an absolute priviledge to have watched you play in a Black and White shirt.

Gone but never forgotten. RIP Gary Speed.

Man Utd vs Newcastle: Tactical Preview

26.11.11 – Saturday 3:00pm

Location: Old Trafford

Early prospects:  No fear.

For the second weekend in a row Newcastle United take to the road for a routine trip to Manchester – from title challengers last week to reigning Champions this – once again looking to retain respect from a fantastic season’s start.

Despite the undefeated run coming to an end NUFC could walk away from The Etihad stadium last week without disgrace – with unfortunate, heavily punished errors being the significant part of our downfall rather than a lack of effort or ability.  Heads can, and have, still been held high and rightly so, but feet must remain on the ground as this weekend’s trip will be no easier.  Treating this fixture as anything other than one against title challengers on their own soil would be suicide – putting into perspective that this game may on current form be slightly less daunting than the previous, but is still a trip to Old ‘bleeding’ Trafford .  Complacency beware…

Team Line-ups:
The reigning champions come into this game on the back of six games unbeaten since their mauling at the hands of Manchester City – a sequence which saw them keep five consecutive clean sheets and score an unspectacular but significant 10 goals.

Having failed to recover in time for the previous fixture, NUFC can welcome back Gabriel Obertan to the right flank against his former club – as for Cheick Tiote, it’s a case of smoke and mirrors with the Ivorian being strongly suggested to be ruled out by Pardew, but also in full training ahead of the fixture…watch this space.  Mercifully, no new injury worries have emerged, save for Steven Taylor’s nose which, although aesthetic only, now resembles a cast-off pastie from Greggs the bakers.  The consequences of two heavily punished ricks had lead to many calling for the instant dropping of Ryan Taylor, but with Pardew himself quick to defend Taylor it’s unlikely this game will see Davide Santon handed his first PL start.  Equally, comments from Pardew upon the performance of Hatem Ben Arfa, along with the fixture in prospect (and the fact that he has now managed to break the first XI) suggest our no.10 will once again line-up behind Demba Ba in a rough 4411.

Manchester United are sweating over the fitness of traditional NUFC menace Wayne Rooney, who missed their mid-week draw with Benfica (*NB – since writing Rooney has been declared fit – line-ups updated to reflect).  Elsewhere both Chris Smalling and Danny Wellback are struggling to make fitness for this fixture and may not feature.  Michael Owen is a confirmed absence, but he wouldn’t have been involved anyway… Although having returned to a more traditional 442 over the last year, Sir Alex Ferguson has adopted a rough 4411 in the Red Devils’ previous two fixtures, deploying Ahsley Young and Wayne Rooney respectively behind a lone striker – with striking options looking limited through injury it’s not entirely unlikely that this layout will be seen again on Saturday.

Opposition strengths and notable dangers:
Naturally, being title challengers, Man United have strength across all areas of the field and can pose a threat to any team, but with this game in mind we look at some that could be particularly troublesome.

1.    Full-back overlap:  Of Patrice Evra, but in particular that of Phil Jones if stationed at right-back.  It’s unlikely MUFC will have not taken note of the performance and effect of Micah Richards a week previous – taking advantage of Gutierrez drifting inside to open the flank up.  Phil Jones has quickly carved a reputation for fearless and aggressive attacking from deep positions and will have to be kept under close watch.

2.    Wide play:  Particularly on a large Old Trafford pitch, Man United like to play a very expansive game using the full width of the playing surface to stretch the opposition.  Even despite the explosive Nani not performing at his best in recent games, Man United possess more than enough attacking talent in wide areas to cause problems, either via cutting inside to build attacks or shoot, or through old fashioned hitting the by-line and crossing – they can do either, and do either very well.

3.    Drifting forwards:  Regardless if Man Utd line-up in a 442 or 4411, their forwards are far from static – the 4411 in particular seeing a very strong link being formed between midfield and attack on the ground.  The persistent Javier Hernandez in particular moving freely between defenders along the back line to create space – racking up five goals in seven starts so far this season.  The support striker patrolling the space between opposition defence and midfield could be a particular issue to NUFC if they do not set their midfield up to take this into account.

In a wider context, much like neighbours City, United are very impressive on the ball and maintain possession superbly.  Although they came under wide criticism for conceding a startlingly large amount of shots per game (almost as many as Bolton), they have moved to rectify this in recent games, averaging around 10 per game recently compared to the season average 17.

Tactical suggestions:
1.    Battle for the midfield :  Easier said than done of course… Manchester City’s dominance of the midfield in our previous fixture put NUFC on the back foot from the off, and although City struggled to create many opportunities from it the situation left NUFC sat deep for much of the game.  With the level of midfield quality faced last week it was an understandable situation, but this week offers a more reasonable playing field in which NUFC should be looking to have their fair share of play in the middle of the park.  The key factor will arguably be to keep the pressure on while the opposition central players are in possession.

2.    Cover the left flank…properly:  It goes without saying that defending on the whole through our left flank last week was not of the standard that it has been of recent times – Micah Richards performance or not.  Both Taylor and Gutierrez afforded the opposition too much space on the flank and showed a vulnerable side in comparison to the remainder of the defence who put in a stern display.  As mentioned earlier, Phil Jones’ buccaneering runs forward (shown on the chalkboard, right) in support of the winger will need to be watched carefully and defended against.

3.    Attack through the centre – distract with the RM:  The 4411 used against City last week, and expected to be used this, worked in an attacking sense to a degree, although arguably did not get the most out of Ben Arfa as a spearhead.  With the enigmatic but hard working Obertan back in the picture, NUFC can use his pace as a foil on the counter (notwithstanding using him as an outlet as standard) to stretch the home defensive line and create openings for our no.10 and Ba.

Final thought and gut feeling:
Newcastle showed last week that they can turn in a positive and confident performance against the best in the land – far be it from the ‘roll over and die’ produce NUFC have traditionally delivered on the big stages.  Going into this fixture should be no different – but the belief of being able to gain a result will be the key, not being overawed by the occasion and believing thoroughly in the level of performance NUFC can deliver – why not be positive?  Score draw.

As always, if you want our instant news and (kneejerk) reaction to anything Newcastle United or football related then follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/leazesterrace or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/leazesterrace

Tactical analysis: Man City 3 Newcastle 1 in 5 key points

19.11.11 – Saturday 3pm
The Etihad Stadium
Barclays Premier League

Man City 3
Balotelli (pen) 41
Richards 44
Aguero (pen) 72

Newcastle 1
Gosling 89

A meeting between the Premier League’s two remaining unbeaten sides saw Manchester City defeat Newcastle 3-1 to retain their 5 point lead at the top of the table.

City took the lead 5 minutes before half time after referee Chris Foy rightly awarded a penalty kick when Ryan Taylor’s outstretched arm blocked a goal bound shot; Mario Balotelli coolly converted from the spot. The lead was doubled on the stroke of half time when Ryan Taylor’s hesitancy to clear a low ball into the box was punished by the anticipatory Micah Richards who nicked the ball off Taylor before prodding beyond the reach of Tim Krul.

The second half began with Newcastle on the front foot and looking to get back into the game, with Hatem Ben Arfa, Danny Guthrie and Fabricio Coloccini going close, but City were to extend their lead in the 72nd minute when Richards was brought down in the area from behind by Ben Arfa before Sergio Aguero made it 3-0 from the spot. Substitute Dan Gosling pulled a goal back from close range for Newcastle in the final minute, but it was too little too late for the visitors as City ended the game 3-1 victors.

Here we take a look at the 5 key points from a Newcastle perspective:

1. Team selection and tactics

An injury hit Newcastle were without regular first teamers Cheick Tiote, Gabriel Obertan, Sylvain Marveaux and Leon Best for the trip to Manchester which forced Alan Pardew to make 2 changes to the starting 11 that beat Everton 2-1 at St James’ Park a fortnight ago;  Ben Arfa and Sammy Ameobi replacing Marveaux and Best in the starting line up. Roberto Mancini, no doubt taking into account the upcoming midweek Champions League trip to Napoli, utilised his side’s strength in depth and made 5 changes to the Man City side which beat Q.P.R 3-2 at Loftus Road as Gael Clichy, Vincent Kompany, Nigel De Jong, Samir Nasri and Mario Balotelli took the places of Stefan Savic, Aleksandar Kolarov, Gareth Barry, David Silva and Edin Dzeko.

With Best injured and Shola Ameobi perhaps still short of match fitness, Pardew was short of orthodox forwards to utilise his favoured 4-4-2 formation and instead opted for a 4-4-1-1 with Ben Arfa playing in the ‘number 10′ role behind Ba. Newcastle typically defended deep but, far from simply ‘parking the bus’, looked to break on the counter attack using the pace of Sammy Ameobi and trickery of Ben Arfa. City personified the possession game with accurate and fluid ‘pass and move’ football that was difficult to track and which resulted in the home side largely controlling proceedings.

2. City control the centre

Newcastle tackles in own half. Blue: successful. Red: unsuccessful. Note how few tackles were won in the centre

Both sides used systems that incorporated a 4 man midfield, which posed a direct 2 vs 2 battle in the centre of midfield as Yohan Cabaye and Danny Guthrie faced up against Nigel De Jong and Yaya Toure.  Although Cabaye and Guthrie performed plausibly, it was the City pair who outperformed their midfield counterparts and helped the home side control the centre of midfield.

De Jong, naturally a defensive midfielder, and Yaya Toure, often the driving force for City, offered a healthy balance of defensive and attacking qualities. They were comfortable in possession which is highlighted by the fact that they were the game’s top 2 passers with 66 and 60 passes completed respectively, while both players also achieved an impressive passing accuracy of over 90%. Conversely, Guthrie and Cabaye are both more naturally offensive players and, while both are adept at the defensive side of the game, Newcastle missed the destructive and spoiling style of Tiote to break up the opposition’s midfield play.

3. Nomadic Nasri and roaming former Magpie Milner

Man City’s wide men Samir Nasri, starting on the left, and James Milner, starting on the right, typified the fluidity and accuracy of City’s play. While Nasri plays more as an inverted winger who likes to cut inside on his stronger right side, Milner is more of an out and out winger who is able to get to the by-line before delivering a cross, yet both are versatile enough to perform either role and did so against Newcastle’s full backs who struggled to keep up with their movement.

Both Nasri and Milner showed a willingness to cut inside to link play and retain possession, rather than hitting hopeful crosses into the box or up to the front men, which is highlighted in their high pass accuracy percentages of 91% and 84% respectively. The pair are given the freedom to roam from their starting positions, which they do often, that arguably posed Newcastle a more difficult proposition to prepare for, track and defend against than a side who employ orthodox wingers.

City's wandering wingers. Left: Nasri's completed passes. Right: Milner's completed passes.

4. Attack minded Richards and Clichy exploit space

Micah Richards passing heat map. 61% completed in Newcastle's half.

When the aforementioned Nasri and Milner drifted inside from their wide positions it dragged with them the Newcastle full backs and created space for the onrushing Micah Richards and Gael Clichy from full back. And the pair, playing almost as secondary wingers at times such were their high positions and forward runs,  were keen to exploit the space created for them by their teammates.

Clichy has been criticised in recent times for his positioning, but against Newcastle he performed his defensive duties admirably with 3 tackles, 6 interceptions and 9 clearances while offering attacking support with 59% of his passes completed in Newcastle’s half. However, it was Richards who caught the eye with his relentless attacking from right back  reminiscent of Barcelona’s Dani Alves. Richards completed an impressive 61% of his passes in the opposition half and capped off a man of the match winning performance with a well earned goal and won a penalty for his side.

5. Deep lying Newcastle place attacking emphasis on their number 10

Newcastle tended to defend deep and in 2 banks of 4, as they have done effectively in the previous 2 fixtures against Everton and Stoke, with the midfield attempting to narrow the space for City to play into. This effectively reduced Newcastle’s attacking threat on the left with Gutierrez again primarily concerned about helping out Ryan Taylor at left back. And while there were bursts of pace down the right side from Sammy Ameobi it was Ben Arfa playing just off the, at times isolated, Ba who was expected to provide the creative spark.

Considering it was his first league start of the season, and his first appearance at the ground in which he suffered such a harrowing double leg break, Ben Arfa showed in glimpses of what he is capable of. His direct approach, skill and vision in the final third almost created an assist for Ba, who should have scored from close range, while he went close to grabbing a goal of his own with his right footed shot inches from finding Joe Hart’s bottom right corner. His defending in the penalty area could do with some work though…

At the end of the day…

After 11 games unbeaten in the league this season, albeit having ‘not played anyone yet’, Newcastle suffered their first defeat away to the side currently residing at the top of the table, but far from disgraced themselves with a spirited and determined display on a ground which the majority of visiting teams will suffer defeat this season.

Although Man City dominated possession with 64% to Newcastle’s 36% and completed over double the amount of passes (564) than their opponents (274), Newcastle had their chances and managed 4 shots on target to Man City’s 5. In terms of tactics there’s little that Pardew could have done different given the players that were missing and they weren’t that far off yielding a result for Newcastle.

Had Ba been more clinical in front of goal, which we’ve perhaps came to expect due to his excellent start to the season, and converted either of his 2 chances to give Newcastle the lead it could have lead to a different outcome. Similarly if Ben Arfa’s shot against the post had bounced off it and into the net, rather than across goal and back into play, when the score was 2-0, it could have gave Newcastle a way back into the game. All ifs and buts of course, however they do serve to highlight some near misses for Newcastle that on another day could have earned them something from the game.

As it was some uncharacteristic mistakes proved costly for Newcastle with each Man City goal a result of their opponents’ defensive indecisions and errors. Although Newcastle defended reasonably well on the whole against the league’s top scorers, we are told time and again that defensive mistakes will be seized upon in the Premier League and this proved to be the case for Newcastle against Man City.

Newcastle remained in 3rd position on 25 points after the defeat, although they could drop down to 4th position should Tottenham beat Aston Villa on Monday night.

Next up for the Magpies is the 2nd of 3 consecutive fixtures against the other sides currently occupying the top 4 and another trip to Manchester to face the United variety at Old Trafford on Saturday 26 November, 3pm kick off. It is hoped that Tiote, Obertan and Best will be able to return from injury to boost Newcastle’s chances in what is already an extremely different fixture at a ground that they tend to return home from empty handed.

As always, if you want our instant news and (kneejerk) reaction to anything Newcastle United or football related then follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/leazesterrace or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/leazesterrace

Man City vs Newcastle: Tactical Preview

19.11.11 – Saturday 3:00pm

Location: The Etihad, City of Manchester, Eastlands…Stadium

Early prospects:  Irrelevant, pressure-less.

Following another enthralling international break Newcastle United return to action this weekend with a daunting trip to the Blue half of Manchester – finally being allowed to ‘play someone’ in the Premier League…

Despite its standard irrelevance the international break could not have arrived at a more convenient time for NUFC – the unfortunate injury glut that went with the hard fought win over Everton having given the club time to gather thoughts, and the remainder of the battle weary troops time to rest.  Again, through a mixture of selection overlooking (Colocinni and Gutierrez not in the Argentina squad…?) and minor injuries only two first team regulars were called into meaningful action – only Ba and Cabaye having pitch time, with Tim Krul bench warming again for Holland.  Despite this, there remains a slight air of disappointment that despite the undefeated run having continued on as hoped, the squad, management and fans as a whole will arrive at these fixtures not quite in the buoyant, confident and focussed frame of mind hoped with off the field issues again raising needless negativity to contend with…

Team Line-ups and Strategies:
Our opponents arrive at this fixture in superb form and have scored at least three goals in all four of the games that followed the obliteration of neighbours Manchester United.

For the first time this season NUFC have felt the pinch of injuries, and although injury to Obertan may not arguably be as damaging to the team as, say, a lengthy lay-off for Tim Krul would, it leaves Alan Pardew with some difficult choices – with what would usually be instant right midfield replacements Ryan Taylor and Jonas Gutierrez looking pretty tied to their existing roles.  Furthermore, injuries to Cheick Tiote and Sylvain Marveaux mean NUFC are having to dig deeper into an area which at least has strength in numbers, even if those numbers are very central position orientated… It’s hard to see NUFC veering from their 442 layout, but with debates over the fitness of Leon Best and Shola Ameobi it could be a convenient time to bring Hatem Ben Arfa back into the frame in a more midfield heavy counter attacking strategy.

Manchester City (perhaps unfairly) come into this game with the only real fitness doubt being that of Samir Nasri – the insanely talented Sergio Aguero looking to have recovered in time for this fixture.  With the demands of Champions League football also to maintain Roberto Mancini has rotated his squad regularly (in particular in attack), and with a crucial trip to Napoli only three days following this fixture expect the Italian to be conservative with his superstars.  Vincent Kompany should return to the defence after serving a one match suspension.  The Citizens have looked anything but negative this term and will almost undoubtedly be deploying a free flowing attacking strategy, heavy in pressure and possession.

Opposition strengths and notable dangers:
After a variety of inappropriate (and vastly overvalued) signings, Manchester City have finally put their financial advantage to significant use – now looking every bit regular title-challengers and, dare we say it, Champions League challengers… Their strengths and dangers are both obvious and numerous, so for the sake of this preview we’ll merely highlight how significant those strengths are.

Silva - world-class

1.    World class attack:  The emergence of David Silva in particular, after a season of adapting to England has been crucial in turning a very strong attack into one which can now rival almost any in Europe.  Couple this with the equal rebirth of Edin Dzeko and the singing of the almost-so-good-it’s-cheating Sergio Aguero and it’s unsurprising that the Citizens have scored a colossal 39 goals in the 11 PL games so far.  Their average of 20 shots per game is the most of any PL side, an average of 7.6 shots on target per game is also unmatched and not a single one of those 39 goals has been from the penalty spot or an own goal.  Astonishing.

2.    Stubborn defence:  The significant increase in attacking potency has not come at a defensive price – Manchester City’s defence conceded less than any other team and managed more clean sheets than any other last season and are well on their way to repeating this with only 10 goals conceded so far this term – second only to NUFC’s eight conceded.  An average of 12 shots conceded per game (the third least in the PL) says enough in itself.

3.    The new Old Trafford?  A stat that will perhaps not be unsurprising given the talent on show, Manchester City have won all five PL games at home this season, scoring 16 and conceding just twice in the process.  However, this record starts to become particularly impressive when looking back to see that they have not lost at home in the league since a 2-1 defeat to Everton back in December 2010 – a run of 15 games in which they have only drawn one, winning the other 14 (currently 10 in a row).

Tactical suggestions:
Beyond ‘chuck ‘em out and hope for the best’…

1.    Dig in:  Defending well will undoubtedly be the most important aspect to this game for NUFC.  Faced with a fluid and superbly talented attack this is of course easier said than done, but if we can form a compact core which forces City wide and into straight forward crossing for delivery to the front line it should greatly limit the exposure to our goal.  Getting caught open will be near suicide in this fixture.

2.    Starve the possession and frustrate:  Going hand in hand with the previous point.  Again, if NUFC can hold onto possession for decent periods of time it will go a great deal of way to preventing City building a head of steam and, ultimately, stretching NUFC into uncomfortable positions.  This counts equally in attack, where we should not panic and wait for the right opportunity to break from deep in midfield.  Both the selection and mentality in midfield will be key to this – more later.

3.    Avoid the aerial route:  Specifically straight up front, where long balls to what will likely be the lone man Ba would be wasteful and only invite City further onto us.  Even if Pardew opts for two men up front the same would apply, as the strikers taking turns in dropping deep has shown on numerous occasions recently that playing direct balls end up causing NUFC more problems than benefits gained (something that was very stark against Everton recently).

4.    Slight alternative…:  Beyond the rigid 4411 / 442 expected, there’s also the possibility of a slightly less dramatic pack shuffle… The alternative congests the midfield with bodies, all of which are comfortable on the ball and have sound levels of team-work and work-rate.  Ben Arfa could be open to play a freer role and provide a spearhead forward whilst also providing a worry for City’s deep lying midfielders, supported by Cabaye and Ba dropping deep if necessary.  The down side naturally comes with introducing Santon to a settled back-line (off-side trap effectively ruined)  and the limited pace to break from midfield – but with our available options there aren’t a great deal many other players to call upon.  Hold onto the ball, stay organised, release through Ben Arfa and (dare we add) shoot on sight!

Final thought and gut feeling:
So the much desired ‘real test’ arrives, but in truth this game couldn’t be any less significant to the outcome of our season nor to the righteousness of our current lofty position.  Every team in the PL will be strongly expected to lose at the Etihad Stadium this season – why should it matter any different as to how NUFC in particular fare?  Many egos have been bruised in wider nation from NUFC’s form and said egos will no doubt climb over themselves to point out how right they are if the likely defeat does materialise.  Lord knows what they will say if we manage to get a point or better out of this game… Naturally however, with the attacking and defensive talents we face (even up against an uber-tight NUFC defence) it will take a real feat of effort (and luck) to return with any spoils this time: home win.

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