A fourth season in the Premier League has been achieved...
Summary
In truth, it was a lifeless match that saw little action in the final third.
However, the Albion took away a vital point- and it mathematically secures a
fourth season in the top-flight.
The opening quarter saw a few chances from set-pieces. Leandro Trossard, Neal
Maupay, and Lewis Dunk all had opportunities, but none could beat Dubravka.
There was a collision between Maupay and Matt Richie in the 27' that many,
upon closer inspection, saw as a penalty. The Frenchman didn't make any
appeals for it, and so, it was not given.
A late header from Dwight Gayle on the stroke of half-time was the best chance
for the Magpies in the first half.
The second half didn't have much action either, with the Albion struggling to
carve out real chances. Adam Webster did have a clever shot tipped over by
Dubravka.
Newcastle didn't create much themselves, but Almiron forced a save from Mat
Ryan early on. Substitute Andy Carroll had a few headers late, but none
bundling the net.
Tactics
Newcastle were happy to let the Albion have the ball, sitting back and playing
the tough defense they're known for.
Passing lanes, openings, and chances all came at a premium. It was clear that the Magpies were looking for a clean sheet.
The Albion begun in a 4-2-3-l. The back four was the usual, and defensive
midfield consisted of Yves Bissouma and Dale Stephens. The two had solid
performances, disrupting Newcastle breaks.
In particular, Bissouma was a standout player. I predicted in the match preview that he would be a key player, and he certainly was. Time and time again, he got in Newcastle's path. He would receive a booking, but it was one that showed his intent.
In particular, Bissouma was a standout player. I predicted in the match preview that he would be a key player, and he certainly was. Time and time again, he got in Newcastle's path. He would receive a booking, but it was one that showed his intent.
Since we enjoyed so much possession, albeit in our own half, he would drop back and stay close to Dunk and Webster as a passing option.
Ahead of them was our creative duo of Gross and Mooy. The two took turns
playing out wide, with Trossard in support. Maupay was part of the build-up
play as well.
They often had difficulty in creating sustained pressure in the Newcastle
final third, due to the Magpies' excellent defensive structure and shape.
Despite being hit with an abundance of injuries, they were disciplined and
didn't fall apart under Albion pressure.
Midway through the second half, we would adjust tactically and switch to a
back five. Webster went to right wing-back, which gave him the opportunity to
venture forward.
This led to him having a clever shot at goal, which was tipped over.
This led to him having a clever shot at goal, which was tipped over.
Glenn Murray, Solly March, and Alexis Mac Allister would all come on, but none
able to unlock the Newcastle defense.
Victory seemed out of reach near the end, and both sides, despite making positive substitutions, seemed content with a draw.
Looking Ahead
The Albion go to Burnley for the final matchday. The Clarets themselves
secured safety a while ago, but a spot in the Europe League seems out of
reach.
They did recently beat Norwich 2-0, which saw the Canaries get two red cards in the first half.
What were your thoughts on the game? Leave a comment below.
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