Newcastle United: Current tactics make comebacks very difficult

Why scoring first is becoming absolutely vital.

Newcastle United battled back impressively this week, earning a point at The Hawthorns against West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday evening. It was fantastic to see a fighting spirit, but the result has been an exception during a recent negative trend.

Manager Rafa Benitez’s modified 4-4-2 formation can certainly be an effective strategy. However, with the current personnel, cutting into a deficit is almost beyond impossible these days for the Magpies.

Prior to this week, Newcastle suffered four consecutive Premier League defeats. During that stretch, the club were outscored 9-1.

Summer-signing Joselu has not had the impact that was expected, and he has certainly received his fair share of criticism from fans and pundits.

The back four focus on being able to provide attacking assistance from the full-backs when possible, with two holding midfielders in front of them.

The wide midfielders, normally Christian Atsu and Matt Ritchie, do not always play high up the pitch.

Benitez prefers a main striker, with a centre-forward or attacking midfielder directly behind them at the top of the line-up.

This philosophy won the Championship last term, and gained early points this season in the Premier League. When effective, the team can control possession and create scoring opportunities in the final third.

But when trying to stage a comeback, especially one of multiple goals, this formation hurts more than it helps.

Creativity is lacking

With the likes of Joselu and Dwight Gayle struggling in the opposing half, fighting to even get level becomes difficult. Goals seem to come from free-kick situations and headers in the penalty area, and nowhere else at times.

Once an opposing side gets ahead, the shape of the squad becomes defensive and limits chances even further.

The four losses each featured this ending, with an evening at Old Trafford being the most emphatic.

An immediate solution is not clear, and Benitez does not like to stray from his formula in regards to formation. Whether it is a reversal of form with strikers or additions in the January transfer window, something must change in the Magpies attack.

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Newcastle United face a tough challenge this weekend at Chelsea. If the Blues take an early advantage, the match could have a familiar ending for the Toon Army due to tactics.