How Eddie Howe Has Transformed Newcastle United

Remember when Newcastle United were barely gasping for breath in the dark depths of the Premier League's relegation zone? It seemed like the Championship was their inevitable next stop. But in a little over a year and a half, things have flipped so dramatically, Now, the Magpies are not just flying high, they're soaring into the stratosphere of European football!

In this article, we’ll delve into the calculated signings, tactical brilliance, and unique style of play implemented by Eddie Howe, shedding light on how he has transformed Newcastle United.

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From Relegation Battle to Hope

When Eddie Howe took over as Head Coach of Newcastle United on November 8, 2021, the club was in the relegation zone in 19th place. The Tyneside club had lost their first 11 games under Steve Bruce, and Howe had won none of his first three. 

No Premier League team in history has ever survived after failing to win any of their first 14 games. Howe, on the other hand, quickly guided them to safety, finishing 11th with 49 points. The last time Newcastle had a better points tally in the Premier League was the iconic 2011-12 season. The takeover of Newcastle United was officially confirmed on 7 October 2021, shortly before Eddie Howe arrived, with the Public Investment Fund taking a majority 80% stake in the club, while PCP Capital Partners and Reuben Brothers each took 10%.

The financial backing provided by the Saudi Arabian ownership undoubtedly influenced the club's ability to make significant investments in the squad. However, what sets Newcastle apart is the astute approach taken in the transfer market. Rather than simply splurging on high-profile names, the club focused on targeted signings that aligned with Howe's specific style of play. 

Calculated Signings and Tactical Implementation

The Magpies spent €100 million in the January 2022 transfer window to secure the services of four players who perfectly fit Howe's specific style of play.

Dan Burn, a versatile defender who not only added much-needed quality to the defensive line but also seamlessly integrated into Howe's tactical setup, was the first notable addition. Burn's ability to tuck into the back three from left-back during possession allowed Newcastle's build-up play to be more fluid.

Newcastle then paid the £25m release clause for Chris Wood. His true market value at the time was of course far less, however replacement striker was needed for the injured callum wilson.

Kieran Trippier was another marquee signing from Atletico Madrid who brought leadership and experience to the squad. His high work rate and exceptional crossing abilities from the right flank added a new dimension to Newcastle's attacking prowess. Trippier's overlapping runs and precise deliveries contributed significantly to the team's goal-scoring threat.

Lastly, the acquisition of Bruno Guimarães from Lyon on a four-and-a-half-year contract for a reported fee of up to £40m. Bruno at Lyon played the most progressive passes of any midfielder in Europe’s top leagues at 7.88 per game!! Bruno also shines bright defensively, amongst the very best when it comes to tackles won overall and tackles in opponents’ defensive third.

Matt Targett also arrived on loan. However, this isn't the main reason why Eddie Howe's team have catapulted up the league.QPR, for example, signed 17 players to try to stay in the PL a decade ago and were relegated. N. Forest signed over 20 players for just under €200m and stayed up by the skin of their teeth this season. These signings were not only about adding individual talent but were carefully selected to suit the tactics and system implemented by Eddie Howe. 

2023 Season

The club's meteoric rise in the 2023 season was undeniably aided by the club's summer transfer business. Nick Pope and Sven Botman joined Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn to help completely transform a defence that would end the season as the strongest in the league, and while Alexander Isak may not have always lived up to his club-record tag, he nonetheless made a series of valuable contributions throughout the season.

The story of the 2022-23 season has been one of unbridled success, with the team finishing fourth in the Premier League, qualifying for the Champions League, and reached their first League Cup final since 1976.. A gap of 47 years between League Cup final appearances is the longest for any team in the competition’s history.

Howe and his coaching staff, led by Jason Tindall, who would become a cult figure over the course of the season, were able to indoctrinate their core messages into Newcastle's squad. 'Intensity is our identity,' became the Magpies’ mantra.

Newcastle has developed a distinct style of play that emphasises physicality and constant pressure. St. James' Park has been transformed into a fortress reminiscent of Anfield, where opposing teams know they will face enormous difficulty. Newcastle press in a narrow 4-3-3 formation, similar to Klopp's Liverpool, with wide forwards in the half-space, a narrow midfield three, and a high defensive line. The team's work rate, mobility, and tenacity allow them to consistently pressure and disrupt the opposition's build-up play.

Unlike Liverpool, Newcastle does not employ the same inverted wide player press but relies on their collective physicality and aggressive intent. The wide players often defend two players simultaneously, which can be exploited with well-placed passes. However, Newcastle compensates for this vulnerability with their exceptional bravery and aggression in the press. The team's physical specimens, such as Almirón, Joelinton, Wilson, Isak, Saint-Maximin, Longstaff, Willock, and Guimarães, combine their physical attributes with tireless work rates and intelligent positioning, creating a relentless defensive unit.

Aggressive and Cohesive Pressing

Newcastle's pressing game is a nightmare for opponents. Their relentless aggression in chasing down the ball forces the opposition into making errors. With a philosophy centred around work rate, Newcastle has built a team that not only exemplifies hard work but also complements it with exceptional athleticism and height across the squad. Joe Willock, Bruno Guimares, Joelinton when played in midfield, and Sean Longstaff are all extremely energetic and are quick to apply opposition pressure. Many of them also carry a significant physical presence, adding a further dimension to the Newcastle press. This unique combination allows them to press effectively and dominate aerial duels, creating numerous opportunities in transition.

He doesn't want his team to defend deep all game, & that's why Newcastle set up so aggressively from opposition goal kicks against some of the best teams in the league. This is to prevent a passive approach. When they do defend deep they do so phenomenally because of their man-mountains in defence (Burn, Botman, Schar, and Pope) in tandem with their general physicality across the park.

Dominance in Both Settled and Transition Play

Newcastle's success is not limited to their pressing game. They have also excelled in settled play, dispelling the notion that they struggle against low blocks. Eddie Howe's team uses a 3-2-5 formation, similar to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City and Mikel Arteta's Arsenal. This shape gives you numerical advantage against low blocks by combining positional play, ball circulation, and the ability to win the ball back in defensive transitions. Players like Isak, Trippier, Guimares, Wilson, Almirón, and others are a formidable force against deep defences due to their height, dynamism, and technical ability. However, unlike during the Steve Bruce era, when they frequently had to collect the ball in their own half and go past many players, Howe has implemented specific patterns to isolate his wingers in more advantageous situations. Bruno Guimares, in particular, has a superb progressive passer and carrier at the base of his midfield who can entice and get past an opposing press. 

Newcastle can build slowly in the centre of the pitch to draw the opposition inward, leaving space out wide for the wingers to exploit once Guimares can break the press and find them. 

Almiron's sensational form is one of many examples of dramatic improvements in individual performances within the team following Howe's arrival. While Howe's influence on Almiron's performances has taken time to become clear, it is clear that the pressing style, partnership with Trippier in attack, and more proactive style in general have all made the most of Almiron's explosive, pulsating approach. As a result, Almiron had his most productive season yet with Newcastle, scoring 11 goals and adding two assists in 34 Premier League games.

Similarly, Joelinton’s reinvention as a central midfielder or left inside forward is an example of Howe’s intelligence in understanding a player’s strengths and weaknesses. While his hold-up play, box movement, and shooting technique may not be optimal for a striker, the Brazilian’s energy, dribbling, and strength make him a versatile option who can help Newcastle play through pressure and maintain a strong press. Joe Willock, once a struggling midfielder at Arsenal, now appears to have found a role and environment that best suits his traits.

Directness and Offensive Threat

Although Newcastle is known for their aggressive pressing and direct approach from goal kicks, they are not solely reliant on long balls. They possess the technical ability to build play from the back when the opportunity arises. However, their preference for direct play is understandable given their collective physicality and aerial dominance. With tall players like Isak, Joelinton, and Wilson as targets, Newcastle often wins the first and second balls, creating immediate threats in transition. Furthermore, if they win duels in midfield or have time to build from the back, they showcase their ability to play intricate football and find attacking players in transition.

They press aggressively in their narrow 4-3-3, retrieve possession, recycle to Pope who launches the ball high, they win the first and second ball, and kill the opposition in transition.

That's Eddie Howe's system in a nutshell, and as much as people may want to say the club spent an extortionate amount of money to support him, he signed perfect profiles and all fit the system and complement his new philosophy.