Tag: NEWCASTLE UNITED

Game of Numbers #35 – Anthony Gordon’s embodiment of the Newcastle way

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Coach Education, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League, Winger

Newcastle United have been defined in the Eddie Howe era by energy and intensity, including an all-out press, and fervid counter attacking immediately upon regaining possession. Anthony Gordon perfectly embodies the Newcastle way under Eddie Howe, and has been one of the surprise stars of the 2023-24 season. Many scoffed at Chelsea's interest in the former Everton youngster at the start of last season, particularly the price tag bestowed upon him. But Gordon is proving to be a priceless acquisition for the Magpies this season, bringing his tireless tenacity to the table every game. Here is Game of Numbers #35.

Game of Numbers #28 – The magic touch of fullbacks with Kieran Trippier & Joao Cancelo

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, Match Analysis, Player Analysis, Premier League

It's been well established over the past decade that fullbacks have grown in prominence and importance in the final third. Just about every team will have their fullbacks involved as active members of the attack, if not one playing high up the pitch as another stays more reserved. Two of the leading figures over the past five-ten years have been Kieran Trippier and Joao Cancelo, each of whom had excellent performances this past weekend. Here is the magic touch of fullbacks as part of Game of Numbers #28, featuring Kieran Trippier and Joao Cancelo.

Game of Numbers #27 – Heung Min-Son as the ‘9’ & Evan Ferguson’s hat-trick

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Player Analysis, Premier League, Striker

In spite of Tottenham's formidable, unbeaten start to the season, something felt missing without the presence of a goal-scoring '#9' up front. It may have been the obvious move with Richarlison not exactly hitting the ground running, but Ange Postecoglou might just have found the perfect solution in Heung-Min Son. Here is Game of Numbers #27, featuring Son as a '#9', and Evan Ferguson's stellar hat-trick.

Why Harvey Barnes is perfect for Newcastle United

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, Subscriber Exclusives, Winger

In what is now their second summer under new ownership where they have the reigns to splash the cash on players as they please, Newcastle United continue to spend their money wisely. They haven't made much of an attempt to lure some of the world's greatest players over to their squad on hefty contracts, instead, … Continue reading Why Harvey Barnes is perfect for Newcastle United

The best role changes of 2022-23 in the Premier League

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Coach Education, Coaching, Defensive Midfield, Fullback, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, Striker

There is nothing that fascinates me more about tactical team construction than how managers change the job titles of certain players to achieve certain results. That may be to combat a strength of an opposition, to bring out a strength in their own team set-up, to bring the best out of a player at their disposal, or even simply to fill a hole. I created an entire series around this premise called 'Game of Numbers', analyzing the various roles that individual players take up to help their teams achieve success. With that, I highlight some of the best positional tweaks this campaign, detailing how managers were able to get the best out of each player.

Eddie Howe – Newcastle United – Tactical Analysis (2022-23)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Managers, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Premier League, Team Analysis

Many would have expected Newcastle United to improve under their new ownership, but their rise to remarkability has been quicker than anyone would have imagined. Eddie Howe has achieved complete equilibrium within his eleven in under a twelve-month period, turning the Magpies into a top five side with many of the same faces from the days of Steve Bruce. With Newcastle's remarkable rise only likely to continue, we break down the tactics that have brought his team success in 2022-23.

Game of Numbers #4 – Counter Attacking to Score Goals

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Match Analysis, Player Analysis, Striker

In the quest to establish beautiful football, possession-based play often reigns supreme, with the bitter ugliness of grit and determination seen as a lower standard way of approaching the game. But when done right and done effectively, counter attacking football can be the deadliest approach to winning football matches. That notion came to prominence over the weekend, as both of last season's Premier League title contenders dropped points, and Bundesliga giants RB Leipzig crashed down the stairs at Union Berlin.