Could Hall & Tino Transform Our Season?

My opinion for months has been that a big part of our inconsistent performances and poor results has been that our rigid 433 formation is now tired and predictable.

Why is it no longer the force it once was?

IMO there is a simple answer - our wingers just aren't cutting it.

Apart from flashes, Gordon is nowhere near the form of two seasons ago when he was scoring goals, providing assists a plenty, and one of the Prem's outstanding players.

We also had a purple patch from Miggy when the goals were flying in - and last season Murphy's form was so good there was talk of an England call.

This season?

No matter what wingers Eddie Howe starts with - and he has tried every combination - the cut, thrust and threat from wide areas is a mile off where it was and needs to be.

Gordon against Chelsea was back to his best, skinning his FB time and again and mixing it between an early cross, a goal line cut back, and a shot from the edge of the box.

A rare glimpse of how great wing play can carve up the best defences.

Compare that to what we have seen time and again this season out wide from all of our wingers - passing back, not taking on the FB, poor crosses and, Barnes apart, almost zero goal threat.

It is staring us in the face - 433 isn't working because our wingers are way off top form.

Hall and Tino have been our two best wide players

Our best two players against Man U?

Our two FB's Lewis Hall and Lewis Miley.

Hall was the best player on the pitch by a mile - and his best work was in Man U's half.

His ability to jink his way out of tight situations and go on runs with the ball tied to his laces is becoming an outstanding feature of his game.

And, he can do those runs down the wing or through the centre. Nowt fazes this lad.

Hall also packs one helluva shot and only the cross bar stopped an equaliser.

Tino, when fit, is IMO far too good of a footballer to be a FB.

I'll guarantee this - if he played for Pep at City he'd be a wing back all day long.

And that is where he should be playing for Eddie and Newcastle United.

We've tried evolution, it's time for revolution

In business - and that's what football is - there comes a time when no matter what changes you make to the current system the results just fail to improve.

Evolution is no longer working. Revolution is now the call of the brave.

At NUFC that means ditching the tinkering with 433 and going all in IMO with 352.

Unleash the attacking potential of Tino and Hall as WB's in a 5, play Woltemade and Wissa in a 2 giving us pace, power and an aerial threat in attack.

Open up the options to easily alternate between 5 at the back or 4 up front with the young and fleet footed Tino and Hall alternating between attack and defensive positions.

352 also shores up our current three in midfield that is way overhyped as the best mid three in the Prem. How often do we dominate games, especially away from home?

Bruno and Tonali are top players - but they could be even better with more support.

It's down to bravery, fitness and the January window

My concern is that if Eddie persists in trying to solve our form issues by sticking with 433 - he could be plotting his own downfall.

A switch to 352 might not be on the cards now because of injuries but it could well be an option before January is out. And it needs to be planned for now.

That means January transfer targets are critical.

If Osula goes we need another forward to back up Wissa and Woltemade.

We need another CB to challenge for a back three spot and as cover for an increasingly injury prone Botman.

FB is another area that needs attention especially if Eddie sticks with 433.

Exits? Other than Bruno, Tonali, Thiaw, Hall, Tino and Miley I wouldn't lose sleep over any other player being sold. That tells you what I think of the real squad depth.

What do you think? Is revolution the answer, or is that too drastic?

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