How Steve Bruce’s unconventional game plan is providing success on Tyneside
OXFORD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Steve Bruce manager of Newcastle United applauds after the FA Cup Fourth Round Replay match between Oxford United and Newcastle United at Kassam Stadium on February 04, 2020 in Oxford, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Steve Bruce has Newcastle United sitting 12th in the Premier League table, seven points clear of the relegation zone. The former Sunderland boss is on course to record a higher number of points than his predecessor Rafael Benitez, with an average of 1.24 points per game. However, the methods in which the Magpies success has been achieved are unconventional as they have kept the lowest possession percentage in the Premier League this season with an average of 39.4 per match.
Even without the ball Bruce has got his side soaking up pressure and breaking quickly, which means Newcastle are not overly reliant on dominating possession to secure points. Evidence for this is that North-East club have the third-lowest pass accuracy, 73.7 per cent, in the English top-flight this season, suggesting they have been attempting a significant number of high risk passes to launch fast breaks. Further evidence comes via the fact Newcastle have won the sixth most aerial duels in the Premier League this season, 21, indicating they play a substantial number of high and long passes.
Despite having accumulated eight top-flight wins this season, Bruce’s side have been incredibly goal-shy, scoring just two more than lowest scorers Crystal Palace on 22. Furthermore, the Magpies have had the third-fewest average number of shots per game, 9.9, which might explain why they have been so short of firepower in attacking areas.
But where Newcastle have excelled is in defensive areas, with the Tyneside club catching opposition players offside on average two times per game, the fourth-highest in the Premier League. Furthermore, only Liverpool have conceded fewer fouls per match than the Magpies’ 9.2, which highlights the precise nature of their tackling. It is due to tight defensive performances that Newcastle are in their current position, having collected seven clean sheets in the top-flight this season, only Watford have kept the opposition out more often from the teams below Bruce’s side in the table.
Newcastle’s attacking methods may be unconventional, prioritising space on the break over possession, but it has served them well this season, and at their current rate the Magpies should reach safety comfortably.