Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily Podcast, Alan Shearer has given his view on Steve Bruce’s tactical decisions against Aston Villa.
The Magpies came away with a point against the Villans, and while they weren’t brilliant during the game, that’s a result they probably would have taken before kick-off.
Shearer watched the game, and he says he was shocked by Bruce’s decision to play Dwight Gayle on the left and Ryan Fraser through the middle.
“They got in some good balls and they were just lacking that presence. He tried to switch it around, which I was slightly surprised he came out with a formation playing Gayle on the left and Fraser through the middle in the 10 role. That’s good out of possession as it gives you a bit of solidity, but in possession we just didn’t have a threat in front of goal at all,” Shearer said.
Newcastle fans have questioned Bruce’s tactics on a number of occasions this season, and now Shearer has as well.
The ex-striker says that the decision to play Gayle on the wing led to a lack of threat in front of goal, and he’s absolutely right.
Fraser is a good creator out wide, and Gayle is a good finisher in the box, so why on earth would you play those two in positions where their best attributes aren’t utilised?
Fingers crossed the Newcastle manager can mastermind a route to safety for the Magpies.
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