Matchday three of the 2022/23 Premier League season saw Newcastle United host Man City at St. James Park. The teams went into the match in impressive form, with both sets of defences yet to concede a goal this campaign.
The progress made by the Magpies since Eddie Howes arrival has been tremendous, with Sundays display against the champions arguably the most impressive to date. Unlike teams who sit back and wait for City to break them down, Newcastle had a go. From the off, they demonstrated extreme levels of hunger and desire which got the fans off their seats. The atmosphere was electric.
They exposed Citys weaknesses and made them uncomfortable, especially during the final 30 minutes of the first half. The irrepressible Allan Saint-Maximin, who was unplayable throughout the evening, created goals for Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson before Kieran Trippier dispatched a sublime freekick to make it 3-1. The English right-back has now scored three of his four attempted freekicks for Newcastle since joining last January.
Guardiolas team ignited a second-half fightback to play out a rollercoaster 3-3 draw. “A proper game,” Pep Guardiola called it afterwards.
For the first time in his career, Eddie Howe has avoided defeat against a team managed by Guardiola, on the 11th time of asking.
This tactical analysis will look at the tactics deployed by Eddie Howe during Sundays clash. The analysis highlights how Newcastle managed to fight back after going 1-0 down to claim a deserved point.
Lineups
Eddie Howe started with the same side that drew with Brighton last weekend in a 4-3-3 formation. Sven Botman partnered Fabian Schär at centre-back while Dan Burn kept his place at left-back. Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron provided the width and had big roles to play during the game.
As for the visitors, John Stones came in for Ruben Dias while Bernardo Silva made his first start of the league season, replacing Riyad Mahrez on the right. Nathan Ake was soon replaced by Dias after picking up an injury, which would prove to be Citys only substitution. Erling Haaland led the line in his third league start.
