We finally got the 4-5-1 formation we've been clamoring for from Alan Pardew. It didn't matter. It wouldn't have mattered what formation Pardew drew up for his Newcastle United charges against Liverpool on Friday.
Newcastle's wide players were simply outclassed by their Liverpool counterparts in the 3-1 defeat, which extended United's losing streak at Anfield to seven.
Craig Bellamy and Stewart Downing dominated Danny Simpson and Ryan Taylor. On the flip side, Jonas Gutierrez and Gabriel Obertan did little to trouble Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique. It was the clear difference in a match that saw the teams cancel each other out in the center of the midfield.
Pardew is already being ripped on Twitter for opting to start youngster Haris Vuckic as an attacking midfielder rather than Monday's goalscoring hero, Hatem Ben Arfa. But that decision had very little effect on the game. Vuckic may not have made much of an impact, but he also didn't see enough of the ball to realistically be able to significantly influence proceedings. Yohan Cabaye, who got away with a poor challenge on Jay Spearing, and Cheick Tiote weren't at their best and were held to a stalemate in their matchup with Spearing and Charlie Adam in the center of the midfield.
That allowed Liverpool's overwhelming advantage on the flanks to be decisive. Liverpool didn't need to bother with trying to build through the crowded center of the midfield. It could simply funnel the ball to either Downing or Bellamy and let them go to work against Newcastle's overmatched fullbacks. Davide Santon's introduction in place of Taylor improved the situation on Newcastle's left flank, but that only seemed to encourage Liverpool to attack Simpson even more.
By contrast, when Newcastle tried to utilize Gutierrez and Obertan, they were able to make little headway against Johnson and Enrique. Gutierrez and Obertan both covered plenty of ground, repeatedly tracking back and drifting inside at times to get on the ball. But they failed to provide any incisiveness going forward - and it's not the first time this season that's been the case.
It's worth reminding ourselves that Newcastle still sits seventh in the Premier League table as we enter 2012, a fairly remarkable achievement. There's still a legitimate chance of qualifying for the Europa League. Newcastle has a terrible record at Anfield over the years and Liverpool has spent big money in the last two transfer windows, so this defeat wasn't at all unexpected.
But it was the most glaring example to date that if Newcastle wishes to continue to progress, improvement on the flanks - both in defense and attack - is required.
The problem was not the somewhat clueless and timid performance by the players, but the lack of strategic or tactical planning. This lack is fatal against a well drilled organised side like Liverpool which sticks to boring, harassing but consistent pressure with its limited available talent. Maybe a new manager with more tactical flair would prevent Newcastle from sliding down the table.
Posted by: Dequoisagitil | 12/30/2011 at 05:38 PM
Absolutely unbelievable. The man has got far more right than wrong this year. The squad has thus far been punching above it's weight and talent and been hanging with the big boys when people thought we'd be relegated again. And yet you're already calling for his garden leave. Absolutely mind boggling
Posted by: Derek | 12/30/2011 at 06:47 PM
Seconded, Derek. I hope the first comment is sarcastic, but I don't think it is.
NUFC is in its second year back up in the PL and it's in seventh place through 19 games. That's pretty damn good. Pardew has done it on a tight budget, too. Get your head out of the clouds.
Posted by: Tom | 12/30/2011 at 07:00 PM
Totally agree. Our fullbacks, as usual gave there wingers far too much space allowing them to run at and cross at will. Would love to see a quality left back brought in with Santon moving to right back. The wingers suffer in some respects by the fullbacks lack of abilty to get forward and support them. Simpson in particular is totally ineffective in attack and not much better in defense.
Posted by: [email protected] | 12/30/2011 at 07:36 PM
I hope Yohan doesn't get a suspension for that tackle. We cannot continue to make stupid decisions which led to that 3rd goal which realistically ended the match.
Posted by: Rob Moyer | 12/30/2011 at 09:37 PM
Just a tough day overall. I completely, 100% disagree with the first person's comment. Pardew has been fantastic. A revelation in fact. To say he should be gone is absolutely insane. Liverpool were clearly the better team yesterday, unfortunately. Sometimes that happens though, even to the big teams (Manchester United vs. Blackburn today anyone?)
7th place after this many games is FANTASTIC. If any Newcastle fan would have been told this at the beginning of the season, they would have been ecstatic (otherwise they are lying). I certainly am happy at our place in the table. Yes yesterday was disappointing, but we are not that far off from competing at the very top. Given a bit more time to shape the side, Pardew will have us rolling along.
Posted by: Ryan | 12/31/2011 at 11:21 AM
liverpool did outplay nufc, unfortunately. colo and williamson did pretty well against caroll and bunch. raylor lacked paced and defensive experience and simpson was just disappointing. santon looks very good, hopefully can build a good relationship with jonas. our weakness is definitely the right side, with both obertan and simpson. however i will say that we had some good passing and possession during parts of the game. didnt see the side improve once HBA came on.
ill take 7th at the end of the year but id prefer 6th just for the emotions and for rebuilding the prestige of the club with european competition. january will be a tough and trying month. howay the lads!
Posted by: Jaeger | 01/01/2012 at 09:13 PM