Newcastle United are our feature this week in their most recent victory over Southampton at St James Park.

I was drawn to this game as both sides like to play a 343 shape which is something that has emerged in the last few year most noticeably under Antonio Conte's Chelsea title winning side.

It is a system that Newcastle under Rafa Benitez have used a lot this season which in defensive posture become a 541 shape. 

Southampton's style in this game was very direct, long balls up to the strikers with the intent of winning the second balls. Goal kicks, throw ins, offside, all resulted in long balls up the field with little build up. Newcastle dealt with this very well especially  having three good center halves who are aerially strong. What impressed me most about Newcastle was the speed at which they launched their counter attacks.  In Solomon Rondo they have a striker who can hold the ball up or run in behind. He shows good strength protecting the ball and knows when to keep vs play early.  He chases defenders especially when they are running back towards their own goal and makes it hard for them to play. 

He is supported by two wide men in Perez and Almiron who have great engines to get up and down but also stay close to Rondon in getting on the end of crosses and flick ons. 

As a result of Playing early balls forward at pace they caught Southampton off guard, unorganized and slow to react.

The result was terrifying, two outstanding goals in the first half and it could have been so much more.

Southampton did pull one back but Newcastle managed the game well. If a quick ball up top was not on, they recycled, kept the ball and moved it from side to side. This in turn gave the defence a break and made Southampton chase the ball.

Key features of transition to attack

• Play forward if possible and early

• Speed of Play

• Good movement to receive, coming short or in behind

• Support from team mates to get forward and join in

• Hunger and desire to score

• Decision making and end product (type of cross, shot, weight of pass etc)

• Understanding when to recycle the ball and rebuild attack

This was a big result for Newcastle, one which guaranteed them Premier League status for 2019/20. In Rafa Benitez they have a coach who is adored by the fans and tactically astute. He knows his players and plays to their strengths. The big question is can the club keep a hold of their manager? Time will tell