On Sunday at Leicester City, Newcastle lined up in a 4-4-1-1. While they went to a 4-3-3 against Brighton after a troubled start, this was the only time under Steve Bruce that the team started with four at the back.
Last season, Rafa Benitez went to a back five in November and it proved to be a successful move. Once Florian Lejeune had recovered from his first knee injury, it proved to be a masterstroke.
Steve Bruce continued with having five at the back when he was appointed manager in July. It was a prudent call as Newcastle’s strength was in their back line. He, however, still tinkered with the formation as the season progressed. He started in a 3-5-2 but soon moved to a 5-4-1 after a debacle at Norwich City that left Joelinton on an island unto himself.
It worked initially as Newcastle were able to pull off a shock win at Tottenham. However, it failed to produce a residual effect as the team were underwhelming at home against Watford and Brighton.
After the Brighton match, Steve Bruce showed signs of wavering about continuing with five at the back. This is what he said when asked if he would consider using a back four last week:
“Yes, 100 per cent. But if you look at what I’ve inherited we’ve got six centre-halves at the club and the club have played with three centre-backs. But it’s something we’ll look at, yes.
“In the Premier League now, I think you need the ability to change. The top clubs change. Spurs, in particular, have played a back three and very quickly change into a back four. So, it’s something you can have up your sleeve.
“We switched to a back four against Brighton and we were much, much better and it’s given me plenty of food for thought going forward.”
Bruce’s hand may have been forced as Jetro Willems had a knee problem leading to the Leicester City match. With no natural left wing-back, Bruce went to a back four against Leicester City. It did not turn out to be a successful move.
The Daily Mail is reporting that the players were not convinced about going to a back four this past weekend. This is what Craig Hope writes in his report:
However, we have learned there were some concerns among the group at Bruce’s decision to revert to a back four from what had been a settled three-man defence and it is likely that will be communicated via captain Jamaal Lascelles this week.
The back four were a mess on Sunday against Leicester as the Foxes were able to put five goals past the disjointed back line. However, we don’t see that Bruce had any other option.
The team clearly showed signs of improvement at Brighton when they went to a 4-3-3. With Matt Ritchie and Jetro Willems unavailable for Sunday, we don’t think Bruce’s decision to go to a back four was negligent in any manner. The loss at Leicester City was due to issues far greater than the formation.
1 comment so far
dougie
Oct 1, 2019 at 1:23 AM
Comment #1Sports Direct F.C. only exists for one reason and that’s to line the parasites pocket.Its a zombie club with no ambition.Show some self respect and boycott it!