Needs Must: 352 Needed To Stem The Tide

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"Terrible in defence".

That was Dion Dublin's blunt assessment after watching Newcastle constantly give Aston Villa, and especially their ST Jackson, acres of space to run into when possession was lost ofter a Toon attack.

We've seen it time and again in games this season;

We get plenty of possession in the oppo's half, the 2,3,1 and FB's get forward - but we don't create chances - and when we lose possession one simple ball over the top all too often leaves three or four players bearing down on our two CB's.

If I was a manager of an opponent I'd allow Newcastle to get into our half, wait for most of Newcastle's players to be in our half, and as soon as possession is won hit quick passes through the lines or over the top - and guess what, by tactical planning or in game management, that is exactly how teams are racking up chances and goals.

It can't go on.

Surely Jaissle can see what nearly every fan over the age of ten can;

His 4231 system is a disaster waiting to happen in every game - especially now that every manager in the PL knows it isn't working and now even the media are jumping on the bandwagon.

The First Rule: Don't Concede

With only one clean sheet this season, against Spurs, the fact is Newcastle's porous defence currently means we need to score two goals to win a game - because the oppo are virtually guaranteed to get at least one.

Given that we create so few chances, and in the early games our goal conversion was unsustainable, scoring two goals a game is a mountain that we aren't going to climb often, especially with a team that seems to have forgotten how to shoot.

Possession is of no use if it doesn't convert into goals - and Jaissle's claim that we "controlled" the game for periods aginst Coventry and Villa is a delusion when the total number of shots in both games was just two or three.

If Jaissle continues playing 4231 believing it will somehow 'click' he is IMO walking onto a gang plank that will lead to Newcastle quickly drowning in a sea of goals and defeats.

He needs to change direction now.

The first, second and third priority, every priority, is to shore up the defence, stop gifting space and chances to the oppo, and give us a chance of the clean sheets that we are currently finding it impossible to achieve.

What Is The Answer?

Our current 4231 all too often leaves us with no effective midfield when the oppo attack.

Go back to Eddie's time and Tonali, Bruno and Jo as the midfield three.

That was not only the springboard for attacks but also the first line that had to be breached before the oppo could get at the defence.

Who is in midfield now when the oppo get a quick break or fashion an attack?

Seriously... you tell me.

Nico usually, but not always, hangs back... Steur when he plays in the two is sometimes there... but after that I'm struggling.

Jaissle wants us to be ready for a quick turnover so our ST and wingers, even if they could get a block or tackle in, aren't dropping back to defend - at 10 neither Wissa or Willock are defensive minded - and on Saturday Jo was named alongside Nico in the 2 but was seen more in Villa's half than he was in ours.

So. I'll ask again... who is part of the 'defending as a team' mantra that is the blueprint for stifling the opposition and minimising scoring chances and goals?

Answers on a postcard enclosing £10 to Wor B Quiz Promotions at the usual address.

352 Is My Call

I don't think our CB's are as vulnerable as they have been made out to be.

OK, Botman hasn't returned to his previous form, but in game after game this season they are under huge pressure and often out numbered because of the lack of protection in front of them.

You don't react to a hole in a dam by sticking a finger in it, you plug it solid.

That's why I'd go 352 with these players when fit;

Hornicek

Back Three: Thiaw Burn Botman

Wing Backs: Dedic/Miley Hall

Central Midfield: Steur Nico Jo

Forwards: Osula Pardo/Barnes

That side IMO immediately looks far stronger defensively, but still gives us pace and attacking intent from midfield, especially from Dedic/Miley and Hall.

Up front we've got height, physical presence and pace in Osula and pace and a goal scoring threat from Pardo/Barnes.

For me, 352 gives us five players in addition to the last line with clear defensive responsibilities instead of no more than two in the current 4231 set up.

There is also a far better chance of a first line press with two up front - how the heck is Pardo or Wissa expected to do that on their own?

Also, if we push high with five in the middle, we have a much more effective support for the front two when they press than with two wingers and a 10 in 4231.

However, having said all of that...

352 should give us at least eight players behind the ball when the oppo attack and surely that will close the space and give our CB's the protection they desperately need.

We have to stop being so easy to score against and give ourselves a decent chance of clean sheets.

Doing the same thing and expecting different results is the definition of madness.

And, IMO, it would be madness for Jaissle to continue with 4231.

It isn't and, I believe, won't work with the squad that he has,

It's time for a change...

Or sooner rather than later... it might be the manager that is changed.

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