Can Set-Piece Coach Reignite Newcastle’s Scoring Threat?

Overview

Newcastle United has experienced a challenging start to the season, scoring only three goals in the Premier League so far. The team’s struggles in front of goal have raised questions about their set-piece effectiveness, prompting coach Eddie Howe to reflect on improvement strategies.

A Change in the Dressing Room

Nick Woltemade, a recent addition to the squad following his transfer from Stuttgart, has adjusted to life at Newcastle, where he suddenly finds himself among other tall players, including Dan Burn and Malick Thiaw. This height advantage could be a valuable asset during set-plays, but the team has yet to capitalize on it effectively this season.

“We possess the physical attributes and the necessary delivery,” Howe commented ahead of a match against Arsenal. However, he acknowledged that something remains unaligned, attributing responsibility to himself rather than his coaching staff. “We must enhance our execution in this area and will put in the necessary effort to improve.”

Recap of Last Season’s Progress

Howe faced similar inquiries nearly a year ago, as Newcastle went through a rough patch with 50 corners without a goal. However, the team eventually found their rhythm. During last season’s Carabao Cup final, Howe mentioned the potential of a set-piece to turn the game, leading to focused training sessions that paid off when they secured a long-awaited trophy, primarily due to their work on free-kicks and corners. Last season, Newcastle scored 13 goals from dead-ball situations, showcasing effective training led by assistant Jason Tindall and set-piece analyst Kieran Taylor.

To further enhance their set-play strategy, Howe recruited Martin Mark, who previously excelled in this area with Midtjylland. Last season, Midtjylland led the Danish league with 19 goals from set-plays, underscoring the significance of mastering dead-ball scenarios in their recent title victory. Kristian Bak, head of sport at Midtjylland, highlighted Mark’s passionate commitment to set-pieces, stating, “His ambition was clear; we aimed to be the best globally in that discipline.”

A Shift in Strategy

This season, Newcastle has noticeably altered its approach, successfully implementing long throws into their gameplay. After managing only one long throw in the entire previous season, the team has already executed 13 in the first five matches of the current campaign. This shift mirrors a broader trend in football, where teams leverage various tactics to apply pressure on opponents.

The increased focus on long throws has led to notable moments in matches, including goals generated from these situations. Although Newcastle faced setbacks, such events illuminate the effectiveness of set-plays and their potential to create scoring opportunities.

The Path Ahead

Newcastle’s challenge lies in maintaining consistency in their scoring from set-plays. Only a handful of Premier League clubs have registered more shots from dead-ball situations, yet the team has scored only once from these chances. Analyzing their expected goals indicates they trail behind teams like Arsenal, who have successfully integrated set-pieces into their offensive strategies.

“We need to improve in that area,” acknowledged Howe, emphasizing the importance of set-play execution. Meanwhile, as they prepare to face Arsenal, who have excelled with set-pieces this season, expectations are high for Newcastle to continue refining their approach and ultimately harness their potential to score more effectively from such situations.

Conclusion

With the introduction of a specialist set-piece coach and a fresh strategy in play, Newcastle United is poised for growth in their set-piece execution. If they can harness this talent effectively, the Magpies may soon see a resurgence in their goal-scoring capabilities.