Can Newcastle Embrace an 'Ugly' Style Like Arsenal?

Newcastle United defender Dan Burn has acknowledged the need for his team to adopt a more aggressive and resilient style of play, citing league leaders Arsenal as an example of success through a blend of quality football and toughness. Following a disappointing 3-1 defeat to West Ham, Burn expressed frustration over Newcastle's struggles on the road, emphasising that a shift in mentality is essential for improvement.

Last updated: 20 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Newcastle United's recent performance in the Premier League has raised concerns, particularly regarding their away form. The team suffered a significant defeat against West Ham, marking their continued struggles in away matches, with no wins on the road since April 2023. Dan Burn’s remarks reflect a growing awareness within the squad about the need to adapt their approach to secure results, especially in challenging away fixtures.

Key takeaways

• Dan Burn calls for Newcastle to adopt a more aggressive playing style.
• The team's away form has been a major source of frustration.
• Burn cites Arsenal as a model for combining effective play with physicality.

Timeline: how we got here

Newcastle's recent struggles can be traced back to a series of disappointing away performances. Here is a brief timeline of notable events leading up to the current situation:

• April 2023: Last away victory in the Premier League against Brentford.
• October 2023: 3-1 defeat to West Ham, highlighting ongoing issues in away games.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Dan Burn's comments following the defeat to West Ham indicate a shift in the team’s mentality, suggesting a need to return to a more physical and resilient style of play. This marks a departure from their recent focus on technical quality.

What was already established

Newcastle United has been known for their strong home performances, winning their past four games at St James' Park. However, the lack of away victories has been an ongoing concern, with Burn highlighting the necessity for improvement in this area.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For Newcastle fans, the team's performance impacts their emotional investment and engagement with the club. Sustained struggles may affect ticket sales and merchandise purchases as fans react to the club's on-field successes or failures.

Businesses and jobs

The performance of Newcastle United can also influence local businesses, particularly those in hospitality and retail. Increased matchday attendance typically benefits local pubs and shops, while poor results may dampen enthusiasm and attendance.

Policy and regulation

While the performance of a football club does not directly impact policy, the broader implications of successful sports teams can influence community initiatives and investment in local infrastructure, particularly in areas surrounding St James' Park.

Numbers that matter

• 4: Consecutive home wins for Newcastle in all competitions.
• 9 months: Duration since West Ham's last home win before defeating Newcastle.
• April 2023: Last time Newcastle won away in the Premier League.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Something housery: A colloquial term used in football to describe unsportsmanlike or cunning tactics, often used to gain an advantage in matches.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Newcastle will need to focus on their upcoming fixtures, particularly away games, to turn their form around. Implementing a more robust and gritty approach will be crucial to securing points.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, Newcastle must find a balance between their technical play and the physicality that Dan Burn suggests is necessary. This will be vital in securing a top-half finish in the Premier League.

Signals to watch

• Upcoming away fixtures and their outcomes, particularly against teams in mid-table.
• The team's performance metrics, such as possession and shots on goal, to measure the effectiveness of changes in approach.

Practical guidance

Do

• Support the team during home games to maintain morale.
• Encourage a strong physical presence during away matches to enhance competitiveness.

Don’t

• Underestimate the importance of mentality in away fixtures.
• Ignore the need for tactical adjustments based on the opponent.

Checklist

• Review past away performances for areas of improvement.
• Monitor player fitness and readiness for physical play.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of tactical changes in upcoming matches.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Burn's comments suggest a strategic shift, there are risks involved in altering gameplay. The team's ability to adapt to a more physical style may take time, and the effectiveness of this change remains uncertain, particularly against teams with strong defensive records.

Bottom line

Newcastle United faces a critical juncture as they aim to improve their away form. Dan Burn’s insights suggest a necessary return to a more resilient style of play, which could prove essential for their success in both domestic and European competitions. Balancing this with their technical abilities will be key to achieving their goals this season.

FAQs

What did Dan Burn say about Newcastle's playing style?

Dan Burn emphasised the need for Newcastle to adopt a more aggressive style and learn from Arsenal, suggesting that a mix of quality and toughness is vital for success.

How has Newcastle's away form been this season?

Newcastle has struggled significantly on the road, with no away league victories since April 2023, leading to frustration within the squad.

What are the implications of Newcastle's recent performances?

Continued poor performances, especially away from home, could impact fan support and local businesses, as well as the team's standing in the Premier League.