There were plenty of positives for Newcastle United to take after beating West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. They started surprisingly positively, scoring their second-fastest goal ever in the Premier League. After that, they retreated back into their shell until the latter stages. Yet, despite not being the dominant side in proceedings, they still managed to come away with all three points. Steve Bruce‘s substitutions in the second half changed the game for his side, with one strategy, in particular, proving effective. In fact, Newcastle’s more direct crossing in the second half cut into the West Brom defence. If they choose to embrace this tactic, Newcastle could yet reap more rewards against Leeds United.
Newcastle United Crossing Will Be Crucial in Leeds United Fixture
The Switch Flipped Against Baggies
It is ironic that scoring such an early goal gave Newcastle even more time to sit back and soak up pressure against West Brom. This is a tactic fans have seen employed far too often this season, with so many gifted attacking players at Steve Bruce’s disposal. Indeed, it took only five minutes of the second half for the Baggies to capitalise off their continued pressure and equalise.
However, it was not until Steve Bruce made some crucial substitutions that his side finally woke back up from their passive slumber. Dwight Gayle returned from his long injury lay-off to provide another attacking outlet. And he combined with another substitute in Jacob Murphy to head in the winner at the death. Murphy, a former loanee at the Hawthorns like Gayle, swung in a glorious cross to turn provider for the goal.
It was the added impetus given to crossing that gifted Newcastle United all three points. Matt Ritchie, after shifting to left-back in the second half, offered more delivery from deep that Jamal Lewis seemed keen to. Likewise, Murphy provided a much better outlet from the wing than Emil Krafth did from that side. The problems soon mounted for West Brom, and Newcastle capitalised from this seemingly newfound tactic.
Bielsa’s Weak Point
The importance of crossing is something that Newcastle cannot ignore against Leeds United next weekend. In their last two fixtures against Chelsea and West Ham, Marcelo Bielsa’s side have shown a vulnerability to heading. After struggling to contain Olivier Giroud, set-pieces proved their kryptonite again on Friday night.
Admittedly, Newcastle did not pose much of a threat in the air against West Brom. Many of their taller players saw themselves ruled out. If players like Jamal Lascelles and Federico Fernández return, they could prove crucial offensively.
Having a tall striker is not necessary, simply putting the balls in can be enough to cause problems. Leeds have the second-worst defence in the league, and Steve Bruce must focus on this. Callum Wilson and Dwight Gayle could both be on hand to sniff out any opportunities that arise. Put enough pressure on a backline, and they will start to crumble.
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