Newcastle Starting Approach

Newcastle lined up in the now customary 5-4-1. Conceding so early shifted the dynamic before the Magpies could settle into their game plan, but the team reacted well and carried out Rafa’s instructions in a disciplined manner.

In possession, Rondon was crucial to Newcastle’s attacking transitions. They’d play the obvious long ball for him to hold it up but he also ventured out wide and picked up the ball on the wings, looking to cross it in. As always one of Atsu or Perez would look to link up from Rondon’s hold up play. This is evidenced by 2 of the 3 shots Newcastle having inside 20 minutes belonging to Atsu and Perez, with Rondon having the most touches and passes of any Newcastle player at that time.

Out of possession it was a very methodical approach for Newcastle. The low block of the 5 man defence was ever present but the pressing of the next bank of 4 (Atsu, Longstaff, Hayden, Ayoze) was a lot more selective. They settled deep when City progressed the ball forward, but they also proactively pressed City high whenever City were passing it from the back.

In deeper situations, they would always double up on the City winger, to try to prevent Guardiola’s side from releasing the full back for the low cross that they favour.