Newcastle 6-2 Norwich - The 'Index 6'
Oh… so that’s what winning feels like. And that’s what scoring goals feels like! Newcastle put in a performance reminiscent of the barmy Keegan years. Great goals, ridiculous defending, it was wonderfully refreshing. Even during the ‘good’ Pardew days, rarely did Newcastle let loose like this. The motif was always solidity over flair, caution over optimism. Rarely then, have Newcastle looked this expansive – this much of a threat. Finally, there’s some happy faces around.
Here’s the 'Index 6' from today:
Centre of the park a massive concern
OK: a couple of negatives first. Sorry. But let’s get them out of the way. For as good as Newcastle’s front four were (more on that later), it only served to further pronounce the gap in quality between them and Newcastle’s central trio of Anita, Colback and Tiote. Put bluntly, if Newcastle want to make strides in this league, they need a dynamic CM. Colback and Anita fall into the decent category, but their passes are sideward, they lack creativity and pose little goal threat. More likely to hinder an attack than generate one, this should be priority number one in January. Tiote – is he even worth mentioning?
McClaren’s task is balance
On the back of a 6-2 win, it might seem ludicrous to critique Newcastle’s new found profligacy, but undeniably Newcastle’s attack minded approach came at the expense of defending. As threatening as Newcastle were going forward – they looked exposed at the back. Runners were not tracked, and marking was non-existent. Norwich could easily have notched more than two. And it was Norwich. For the first 8 games, McClaren has echoed the Pardew approach, emphasizing structure and stability (to varying levels of success). Today saw a different tactic. From my view, solidity isn’t a good trade off for attacking impotence, but neither is over-expansive play OK at the expense of loose defending. Both approaches won’t win many games. The good teams find a way to do both. McClaren must do the same.
Newcastle have bought well
Newcastle haven’t bought enough – and for that, they should be criticised. But, they shouldn’t be criticised for the quality of players they did acquire. For the first time, Newcastle fans caught a genuine glimpse of Newcastle’s creative potential. Sissoko, Wijnaldum, Perez, and Mitrovic were all superb in their own ways – with special mention to Gini for his four goals. For whatever deficiencies may lie elsewhere in the squad, we can take solace knowing the potential is there. But, as ever, it needs to be built on (see point 1).
No excuse for next week
None of us need reminding of Newcastle’s recent derby record, and whilst there is no accounting for just how poor Newcastle have been – it is remarkable how the calendar has ensured Newcastle enter each derby on the back of some setback. Whether it was Europa league fatigue, a long injury list, or just general poor form, Newcastle have not taken much good feeling into these matches. No such excuse this time – Newcastle ought to be full of confidence, Sunderland the opposite. The mackems have pulled their regular trick of hiring a new manager, but this is McClaren’s first derby too. If they can’t turn up next week, when will they?
SJP still the place to be
No doubt after Wijnaldum’s performance he might start to catch what seems to be a contagious disease in Newcastle. I’m calling it the “Sissoko Syndrome” – the delusionary sense that the grass is always greener, and the Champions League is only a quick transfer away. Perhaps – but there are benefits to playing at a club with such unquestioning, passionate support. Newcastle fans are renowned for overly rewarding players who give everything for the shirt. They generate an atmosphere unrivalled in the PL. That has to be worth playing for.
Top ten still possible
Likely getting ahead of myself, but three additions in January really should see Newcastle finish in the top ten. This is a team of internationals. Work ethic will always be in question – but good performances generate a good work ethic. When the team feels like there is something worth playing for, the intensity usually accompanies. For now, let’s allow ourselves to be cautiously optimistic – perhaps this is a team worth supporting.
