“Offense sells tickets, but defense wins Championships.”
Newcastle United fans would be quick to remark that actually Dwight Gayle’s 23 goals win Championship(s), but never was this old sports proverb proven more true than victory over Manchester United at St. James’ Park on Sunday. For the Toon, their championship will be avoiding the Championship.
The 1-0 victory over Manchester United was characterized by almost superhuman commitment in defense, with last ditch tackles and fantastic saves from debutant Martin Dúbravka securing the three points. However, it would be wrong to suggest that luck was the dividing factor between the two sides – the result only displayed a trend that has been obvious since the Premier League season began.
Despite criticism from some fans over the defensive style of Rafa Benitez’s tactics, the Spaniard has masterminded one of the Premier League’s most stubborn defenses, and hard fought 1-0 victories are a testament to the belief of the players in their manager.
Only six teams have conceded less goals than Newcastle United this season, and this strength at the back frequently puts the Toon in position to take all three points in closely matched contests. In fact, the poor run of results mid-season that put Newcastle near the bottom of the table were mostly decided by one goal – a sign that when luck wasn’t going their way, the players kept the faith and are now finally reaping the rewards.
A key strength of the Toon this season has been their wingers, yet, it has been the center of the pitch in midfield and defense that has been the foundation of the defensive solidity on-display on Tyneside. Whilst there has been inconsistency, Rafa Benitez has responded to the good form of Mohamed Diame by keeping him in the side, and the balanced of strength and technical ability with midfield partner Jonjo Shelvey was instrumental in keeping Manchester United at-bay on Sunday.
MO DIAMÉ - who was outstanding this afternoon - saluted his team's efforts after helping #NUFC seal a 1-0 win over @ManUtd
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) February 11, 2018
👉🏽 https://t.co/LZffI8awLf pic.twitter.com/w78lOiEYvX
Not always inspiring confidence, the former Senegalese international has looked a calming presence in front of the defense. His willingness to tackle hard and play the simple pass has given license to the more creative Shelvey, although the English midfielder is certainly not afraid of a tackle either.
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More importantly, this balance appears to be working in harmony with the central defenders, as captain Jamal Lascelles put in a commanding shift alongside the returning Florian Lejeune on Sunday. Lejeune was perhaps even more impressive than Lascelles, which is undoubtedly a fantastic sign for Newcastle United fans as recent starter Ciaran Clark is injured, and the Frenchman has been unconvincing since his arrival on Tyneside for this season.
Rafa Benitez has always been a manager obsessed with structure, and the defensive shape of the team. Certainly Newcastle United have been without goals this season, and at points have even looked listless in defense with too many late goals and dropped points. Nonetheless, the statistics don’t lie – the central defenders and midfielders that make up the spine of the team have been solid, and this is more than you can say for some of the Toon’s relegation rivals.
With the added attacking threat of Kenedy and Islam Slimani, the latter who is expected to feature against Bournemouth on February 24, Rafa Benitez can turn his focus to integrating these players into the already strong spine of his Newcastle United side.
Next: Injuries came at the wrong time for Rob Elliot
When you can restrict your opponent’s goals, you give yourself a chance to win. This has been the approach of Rafa Benitez so far this season, and if the win over Manchester United is anything to go by, there will be more opportunities for the Toon as we enter the last months of the Premier League season.