Eddie Howe’s tweak in formation against Chelsea explained

Team Analysis
Written By Josh Purvis

Eddie Howe has a good record against Chelsea from his time as Bournemouth manager.

With Newcastle heading to Chelsea on a 9 game unbeaten run in the league, there was a sense of optimism that The Magpies could continue the streak and Eddie Howe was determined to make sure of this.

The ex-Bournemouth manager has a good record at Stamford Bridge in recent years, earning a 1-0 win in 2015 and an remarkable 3-0 victory in 2018 with his former team.

Howe would opt to switch to a 5-4-1 formation, for only the second time since he became Newcastle manager, to try and replicate the success of his 3-0 win whilst at Bournemouth.

Newcastle’s lineup and formation on their travel to Chelsea.

One thing he stressed the importance of in the video - Eddie Howe • Tactics, Chelsea 0 Bournemouth 3 • Masterclass - was the high press from the forward line, putting Chelsea’s defence under pressure thus forcing them into mistakes allowing attacking opportunities to occur high up the pitch (as seen in the picture below).

Newcastle’s man for man high pressing almost presented them with a good opportunity here.

With Newcastle only having 27% possession, winning the ball in and around the final third was vital to allow them to create quick chances within just a few passes.

Whilst out of possession, The Magpies would also drop into two blocks of 5 and 4 respectively, creating a very crowded and compact central area.

This made them extremely hard to break down as it forced Chelsea either sideways or backwards when looking to launch an attack.

Chelsea were therefore frequently forced to cross towards Newcastle’s centre backs, with Hakim Ziyech attempting a whopping 8 crosses and only 2 being successful, exactly what Eddie Howe would’ve wanted.

Despite the eventual loss at Stamford Bridge, Eddie Howe’s side certainly held their own for large spells of the game, keeping the West Londoners at bay for most of the game, only allowing them their first shot on target in the 78th minute.

The Magpies were also denied a very questionable penalty decision as well as a possible first half red card from eventual match winner Kai Havertz.

It has been rare recently to see Newcastle go away to top opposition and take the game to them, however Howe is showing the kind of ambition Toon fans have been longing for and it is undeniable that the future is looking bright.

Josh Purvis
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