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Newcastle United: Two keys to defeating Norwich City

By Durim Halimi

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 21: Florian Lejeune of Newcastle United celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Newcastle United at Goodison Park on January 21, 2020 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 21: Florian Lejeune of Newcastle United celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Newcastle United at Goodison Park on January 21, 2020 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) /
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Norwich City are in last place in the Premier League, but defeating them on Saturday will require maximum effort and creativity from Newcastle United.

Newcastle United are hoping to get revenge on Norwich City after suffering an embarrassing 3-1 defeat in the second week of the season at Carrow Road. The narratives surrounding both clubs have changed a lot since then. Norwich City are in last place and they are the only team with a point total in the teens, while Newcastle United are only 10 points shy of reaching the 40-point mark with four months remaining in the season.

It is easy for fans to quickly assume that Newcastle United will defeat Norwich City seeing that the Canaries only have four wins this season and have conceded an alarming 47 goals. Although Norwich City’s statistics are poor, they are a tricky side that has caused problems for some big teams as of late.

Over the last two months, Daniel Farke’s men have earned impressive draws against Arsenal, Leicester City and Tottenham. In addition, the difference in five of the Canaries’ last six defeats has only been one goal, which shows how competitive they are as a team. In their eyes, Newcastle United is a team they think they can upset at St. James’ Park to move closer to 17th place, but here are two keys for the Magpies to follow in order to claim three points this weekend.

Contain Pukki and Cantwell

Teemu Pukki and Todd Cantwell are undoubtedly Norwich City’s best players. With a combined total of 17 goals and five assists this season, Pukki and Cantwell have been the only consistent players on the squad, and it is no surprise that their names have landed on some top teams’ scouting reports.

The Magpies’ back-line must be alert and aware of their movements over the course of 90 minutes. Yes, other players are capable of scoring goals and creating meaningful chances for Norwich City, but containing Pukki and Cantwell would place a low ceiling on the Canaries’ offensive production.

Both players have the technical abilities to take on defenders with the ball and they both time their runs to perfection to receive the ball for a scoring opportunity. Jamaal Lascelles and company will be busy on Saturday afternoon.

Utilize Almiron and Saint-Maximin

Using the long ball approach and wasting precious possession quickly will doom Newcastle United against a Norwich City side that is feeling the weight of relegation on their shoulders. The Toon must get the ball out wide to Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin to allow them to orchestrate attacks.

Almiron has finally found his scoring touch and he could have a big game against the worst defense in the top flight, but he needs to receive the ball on a regular basis. Saint-Maximin did not play in the previous meeting between these two teams, so his presence on the pitch will certainly spice things up down the flank.

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The Frenchman criticized his own performance in the team’s 0-0 draw with Oxford United (FA Cup) last weekend, so he is eager to make up for that dip in form. So long as he and Almiron get several touches on the ball, Newcastle United will force Norwich City to be more defensive than they initially planned.