Newcastle United: Benitez’s tactics were ineffective with such poor form

Newcastle United’s manager needs to see more from his team.

Yesterday’s match at Anfield between Liverpool and Newcastle United featured a frustrating result for the visiting side, as the Reds cruised to a comfortable 2-0 win. The first half started well enough for the Magpies, as the back-line and midfield were able to keep play in front of them and limit scoring opportunities.

However, with so few players in the line-up at the top of their game, the strategy displayed significant flaws. Manager Rafa Benitez was aware of the danger presented by Liverpool’s front-line, and Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane did eventually have the desired impact for manager Jurgen Klopp’s team.

In order to combat the opposing attack, Newcastle’s boss kept five at the back and was conservative throughout.

Benitez wanted to keep the match level at the break, attempt to guarantee at least a point and maybe try to steal a win late on. Instead, nothing was gained on Saturday for the Toon.

Tactics that feature this thin margin for error are not always successful, and that is especially the case when the players are not in top form.

Problems in the middle

One of the biggest weaknesses for the Magpies on Saturday was present in the midfield, as summer-signing Mikel Merino endured a difficult evening. Starting for the injured Jonjo Shelvey, the Spanish international was indecisive on the ball and gave away possession far too easily.

Would Shelvey have pushed Newcastle closer to a result? That might be a stretch, but his passing could have at least given the squad a better chance at finding a goal. Aside from some timely tackles, Mohamed Diame’s impact was limited also.

Jacob Murphy and Christian Atsu both have had better games, and will want to improve in their next starts. Saturday’s plan needed all involved working together effectively, and that ultimately did not take place.

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Rafa Benitez’s approach with Newcastle United versus talented sides can be a chore to watch at times. When the line-up isn’t at their best, it can be torture for the fans.