Newcastle returned to winning ways and showed exactly why they have been so effective this season in overcoming Crystal Palace.
Steve Bruce’s side was made to work hard for their victory, as they have so often this season in terms of not having much of the ball – with 43% possession on this occasion – but their organisation ultimately shone through.
The return of Jonjo Shelvey and Miguel Almiron made all the difference, too, as the Magpies shaded the first half and had a lot more efforts on goal than in the previous match, with three shots on target compared to zero.
Almiron in particular impressed. Not only did he finally break his goal duck for Newcastle but he was a handful for Patrick van Aanholt throughout, with 94% pass accuracy and two successful dribbles completed.
After Saturday’s success, and with some notable players still absent, such as Allan Saint-Maximin, Bruce has a pretty straight-forward decision to make when it comes to his line-up, at least in attack.
Christian Atsu missed out as Andy Carroll partnered Joelinton up-front as Newcastle varied their formation against the Eagles, and though those two should feature again, for the latter it may be in a different role.
Considering that, here is how Bruce should decide to line-up on Boxing Day.
Joelinton has looked poor on occasion this season, with a lacklustre performance against Southampton particularly worth noting, but on the wing against Burnley he looked rejuvenated.
As well as using his power to great advantage to provide Dwight Gayle with a brilliant opportunity to score, he also used the ball with better efficiency, achieving 90% pass accuracy and two key passes.
The Brazilian’s average of 5.1 aerial duels won per game also suggest he will be able to use his physicality to great effect, particularly in coming up against Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is better suited to defending on the floor and winning tackles. He’s won 4.4 per game in the Premier League this term.
Joelinton and Almiron offer alternative threats and such variety should be effective against Manchester United, especially as the latter should benefit from newly-found confidence as a result of his goal.
Bruce’s only difficult decision may be whether Dummett deserves to retain his place in the side.
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Jetro Willems is likely to return to the team after missing out through injury against Palace, and with Florian Lejeune making a successful comeback from his own injury in that match, and keeping a clean sheet, it would be a little harsh to leave him out.
His fitness may be a factor in Bruce’s decision-making as there are several games coming up against soon, but to keep out the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial Newcastle will need to call upon their best defenders.
As a result, Willems should be drafted straight back in for Newcastle’s only change with Lejeune operating next to him. That is likely the Magpies’ best chance of keeping a clean sheet.
Newcastle fans were delighted to see Florian Lejeune return to action last weekend, and they will no doubt be hoping he keeps his place in the side after helping to keep a clean sheet.
