The Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson partnership
Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson celebrating the winning goal in the 1-0 win over Fulham in January.
Newcastle went into half time against Brentford having conceded two penalties, had a goal against them disallowed and quite frankly, were lucky to only be 1-0 down.
Eddie Howe’s tactical tweak turned the game on its head and inspired a fantastic second half performance, leading to a vital 2-1 win.
The shift in formation, to a 4-2-3-1, and introduction of Callum Wilson alongside - not instead of - Alexander Isak caused all sorts of problems for Brentford.
This is not the first time Howe has made this change to good effect, against Fulham earlier in the season he made the same change which led to Isak securing the three points with a late header in front of the Gallowgate.
A strike partner very much suits the young Swede as he likes to drop deep and link play with the midfield and with another striker on the pitch he is able to do this more frequently and effectively as he is not the main focus of the team’s attack.
They tend to combine well together - with Wilson assisting Isak for the winners against both Fulham and, most recently, Brentford.
Winning goal vs Brentford:
As soon as Joelinton picks the ball up in midfield, Isak (circled) makes a move towards the space in front of the Brentford defence, an area that he very much thrives in.
Wilson (right) occupies the half space in between two Brentford centre backs, distracting them from Isak’s (left) presence.
A gap is created in the centre of the Brentford defence due to Wilson stretching them. Isak hangs back to provide a passing option for Wilson.
Wilson is then able to find Isak in acres of space and he expertly curls the ball into the top corner and secures three important points.
Winning goal vs Fulham:
Wilson (right) again picks up the ball in space between opposition defenders, with Isak (left) lurking in the defender’s blindside.
Isak halts his run, receives the ball from Wilson in his usual space and proceeds to spread the ball out wide to the right hand side.
As the ball’s most likely destination is the penalty box, Wilson and Isak position themselves to prepare for the cross coming in.
The ball falls for Wilson at the back post and Isak’s anticipation means he is alert to the ball, which is played across to him for an easy tap in to win the game.
Isak’s positional awareness in these situations is a key aspect to the success of, not just this partnership, but his all round play. His ability to find pockets of space in and around the opposition defence looks simple but causes major problems for them.
After Wilson had not scored since the Boxing Day win away to Leicester, he has hit a great spell of form recently, proving his worth to the team again and doing what many others have failed to do recently - get on the end of crosses.
Credit must also be given to those responsible for the Isak signing and Eddie Howe for this system’s success. Isak is not only a long term Toon goalscorer but also one that can partner Wilson in the short term when needed.
This Plan B tactic is clearly something that has been formulated on the training ground with the efficiency of when and how it has been adopted. It’s clear to see the hard work that everyone involved with the club puts in behind the scenes to ensure that the team are prepared for every scenario.
After an astonishing week - taking all nine points available - Eddie Howe’s side look unstoppable and Champions League football looks even more likely to arrive at St James’ Park next season.