The Regista - Newcastle vs Liverpool tactical review: Howe approach 'was' working; Nunez mayhem shocked hosts
Tribalfootball.com's tactical expert Connor Holden breaks down how a 10-man Liverpool managed to stun Newcastle United in the final minutes and leave Tyneside on Sunday with all three points...
In a game of big decisions, and big occasions, Liverpool managed to mount a comeback at St James Park, coming from behind to win 2-1 in the final minutes on Sunday
This game had many different aspects to it, including some tactical decisions made by Newcastle manager Eddie Howe to get the advantage over Liverpool in the first half. There were also some big decisions for the referee, including an early shout for Trent Alexander Arnold to be sent off, followed by Virgil Van Dijk being shown his marching orders.
But in the end the game was won on the individual brilliance of Darwin Nunez - his introduction from the bench brought Newcastle something different to worry about. The hosts had rarely been troubled all game long.
THE NEWCASTLE PRESS
There was a clear emphasis on Newcastle's press to tilt Liverpool towards the left-hand side. Once they achieved forcing Liverpool to build towards their left side of the pitch, that was the trigger point for Newcastle to be more aggressive and force a turnover on that side of the field.
Kieran Trippier would push high up on Luis Diaz, and Sandro Tonali would be aggressive with the midfielder on this side for Liverpool (often Alexis Mac Allister).
The aggressive nature of Newcastle's two number 8s (Tonali and Joelinton) was key to the pressing power of Newcastle. As once that pressing trigger was activated with the ball travelling to the left side of the pitch, these two midfielders would look to use their strength and power to force a turnover and quickly turn defence to attack.
In the
