This season has been a dour one for Newcastle fans. The team have played the sort of pragmatic football that would be enough to send an insomniac to sleep. The Magpies headed into Saturday’s game at Everton, expecting the worst.
They had suffered six straight Premier League defeats and were heading to a team with aspirations of a top-four finish. However, the team from north east pulled off a shock 2-0 win at Goodison Park.
A wonderful header 👌⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/NhDHMk7eWj— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 31, 2021
A wonderful header 👌⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/NhDHMk7eWj
The win was down to a stark change in style. For much of the season, Newcastle have sat back and allowed their opponents to have the ball.
Their style of play at Goodison Park was completely different. They were actually pressing their opponents high up the field and the change brought some rich rewards.
Striker Callum Wilson must have been highly frustrated in recent weeks. He hadn’t scored in seven games, mainly due to a lack of service and support.
The former Bournemouth striker produced a brilliant display to bag a deserved brace and could have had a hat-trick, only for a top save by Jordan Pickford. Like most top strikers, if he receives support and service, he will score goals.
The change of emphasis made Newcastle look like a different team. The difference may have been a canny move by Magpies head coach Steve Bruce to add former Everton assistant head coach Graeme Jones to his coaching staff.
Jones had for a long time worked alongside Belgium boss Roberto Martinez, at Swansea, Wigan, Everton and of course with the Red Devils. Maybe he has been able to bring in some new ideas. He may turn out to be a crucial signing for Newcastle.
Everybody associated with Newcastle will be hoping that the win at Goodison Park will just be the start of a better run of form and more attacking style of play because they have had enough of defensive and dour football this season.