NICK WOLTEMADE’S SHIFT IN STYLE SPARKS MAJOR NEWCASTLE UNITED DEBATE
Michael Carrick analyses how Nick Woltemade's link-up play "really matches" his Newcastle teammates, creating a different dynamic than Alexander Isak. The tactical shift creates space for runners, as seen in the win over Fulham.
Newcastle's Nick Woltemade - COURTESY/PHOTO
After Alexander Isak left Newcastle in the summer, Nick Woltemade's style of play "really matches" his teammates, according to Michael Carrick.
At St. James' Park, Bruno Guimaraes scored a thrilling goal in the 90th minute to give Eddie Howe's team three vital points over a faltering Fulham.
There were concerns about how the Magpies would adjust without their lucky striker at the top of the lineup following a summer of significant transition that saw star striker Isak depart in a £125 million transfer.
Although the current season has not started off well, Woltemade, a £69 million acquisition, has already scored five goals and is giving opposing defenses a variety of challenges that help those around him.
"Isak leaving and Woltemade coming in is a tiny shift, but it was a major difference at the time," Carrick told Match of the Day. Since you can see he wants to stand up, Woltemade, it actually works in certain ways for the players surrounding him. The distinction is obvious.
"When Newcastle breaks in middle, Isak will undoubtedly want to rush in behind, therefore the service will be adjusted since they know that Woltemade wants to stand up. The wide guys can therefore get one-on-one in wide areas because there is more room for them to run in behind. However, it also puts more pressure on the other midfielders, the opposing winger, or the other eight to make the box.
"Woltemade is unable to create the box and link the play. In fact, there are players from Newcastle who want to rush past him and into the box. They just recovered possession of the ball after winning it back here in the 4-5-1 formation, and you can see that Woltemade is currently at the top of the "V" formed by the two wide men.
"Suddenly, they begin to link, and he is now the one with more depth. Gordon and Murphy are now beginning to connect. Bassey believes he needs to get tight, thus he wants to be attracted to Woltemade.
"That leaves the area behind, and they worked on it all day in Newcastle. The wide guy occasionally hit that area and had a great chance to take a 2-0 lead. Occasionally, it was a midfield player.
"As the game progressed, Tonali and Joelinton ran into those spaces, and Bruno then attacked them. You can see Tonali sprinting past Woltemade once more, filling the space he left with one or two touches. Tonali gets in behind Bassey as he goes tight once more. They engaged in it in various ways throughout the afternoon.
"The opposing wide player and midfielder have a significant burden of filling the box. The similar idea, except this time there is a large gap in the middle of the goal because Woltemade and Bassey have left. Woltemade connects with the opposing wide player and midfielder in the box once more. Bruno had a huge opportunity to score.
"They finished with a lot of energy, and Eddie talked about finishing strong. The box remained motionless as Bruno entered the pitch in the final minute of the match, followed by Osula, Tonali, and Elanga. Tonali may have gotten the tap in this time, but it only made me notice a change at the top of the pitch. Transition this time, but still in the box.
"They lack a No. 9 who runs in behind, but in reality, it plays to everyone else's strengths because the wingers and eights want to run, and Woltemade, by coming short and linking, creates a lot of space for them to do so, making it difficult to defend.
"They received awards today, despite the fact that it is not simple."
Newcastle will now play two games the following week. On Wednesday, they will host Tottenham in the Carabao Cup before visiting West Ham, who are now in 19th place, two points ahead of Wolves, who are at the bottom.
DISCIPLINARY BLOW: MADRID PLAYER SUSPENDED POST EL CLáSICO TUSSLE
Real Madrid's backup keeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-game suspension by the RFEF for his aggressive conduct on the bench during the heated final moments of El Clásico. Real Madrid's appeal was rejected.
El Clásico Scuffle - Photo Credit Getty Images
Los Blancos' goalie Andriy Lunin has been suspended for one game by the RFEF Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the sideline dramas during the El Clásico's final moments. Although the cameras did not catch it, referee Soto Grado did record that he had sent the Ukrainian off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the RFEF responded as follows when asked why Lunin received a red card.
The reason for Lunin, Andrii's expulsion in the 90th minute was that he had to be restrained by his teammates after he walked aggressively from his bench to the blonde bench.
The disciplinary committee of the RFEF
"When considered significant, those whose behaviour violates sporting order will be suspended for four to ten games or fined between 602 and 3,006 euros."
Because of Lunin's actions, which constituted a minor violation of the sporting order, he was suspended for one game. The ruling had been challenged by Real Madrid. However, the RFEF stayed steadfast, defending the referee's ruling and the evidence in the match report and on film.
Now, the backup goalie will not play against Valencia this weekend, where he is probably going to be benched. Fran Gonzalez and Sunico, both from the youth team, might be called up as the matchday squad's third choice, with Sergio Mestre serving as a backup.
No Barcelona players or any other Real Madrid players were slapped with bans following the two flash moments in the closing stages of the game. When Vinicius Jr. and Lamie Yamal argued, even players who were not on the team were spotted shoving on the side of the field. The RFEF, however, determined that nothing that came to pass would justify further prohibitions.
ARSENAL STAR DROPS CONFIDENT TITLE HINT AFTER STRONG OPENING
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is targeting a historic Premier League and World Cup double with England this season. The winger believes it's a "doable" feat as the Gunners lead the title race.
Bukayo Saka - (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
According to Bukayo Saka, it is feasible for Arsenal and England to win both games this season. The season has started well for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta's leadership.
Arsenal leads the Premier League standings by four points at the moment and is starting to look like a title contender. Manchester City is only one point ahead of defending champions Liverpool, who are seven points behind.
Saka, however, is not only interested in winning at his club; he also hopes to succeed internationally. Manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that winning the trophy is his ambition for England, who have qualified for the World Cup in the USA next year.
Saka is optimistic about his club's and his nation's chances of winning. "Yeah, that is my prayer," he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. It is possible, of course.