This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Newcastle’s defeat against Aston Villa marked yet another game where their two wingers remained goalless, while also having a limited influence on proceedings.
On the chalkboard
Allan Saint-Maximin displayed his trickery throughout in typical fashion in what was a fierce battle with Villa right-back Frederic Guilbert, as it was always likely to be.
His compatriot won eight tackles but the Magpie was still able to create space in the attacking final third due in part to his seven successful dribbles, only to let himself down with his final ball – producing zero key passes.
Miguel Almiron had a little more luck in that department with two key passes, but throughout the match there was a sense that both wingers would have had an easier time of things had they swapped wings.
Too often both players had to cut back onto their stronger foot to make a cross or a pass, and that allowed the defenders to cover and also disrupted Joelinton’s runs in the middle.
In fact, one of Newcastle’s best opportunities was Christian Atsu’s late header, which came from a cross which Saint-Maximin fizzed in from the right flank, where he spent too little time during the match.
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Playing to their strengths
Despite whatever else the pair may bring to the Magpies, there is no getting away from the fact that their failure to produce in the final third is a big concern – with zero goals and one assist between them this term.
Worse still, Steve Bruce seems to think they are going to find form out of nowhere, as he has done very little to enable them to find a goalscoring touch or take up more promising positions.
A simple change which could make both more effective is making them swap flanks.
That would mean Almiron plays on the left and Saint-Maximin on the right, according to their stronger foot, thus enabling them to fire over a cross after they run and beat a man.
Their pace, and for Saint-Maximin his skill, is what makes them so lively and dangerous, but their momentum is lost in having to cut back onto their preferred foot.
They also lose their unpredictability when that happens, which has been key for them so far, and the Newcastle attack could benefit hugely from regular crosses player into the box – Joelinton would certainly love it.
Such a change may be all they need to get off the mark, and once that happens the confidence boost could see them become a key threat for the remainder of the season.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are underperforming in another area, but Mike Ashley rather than Steve Bruce is perhaps most to blame for that.
