Murphy and Ritchie, Bruce's answer to playing five at the back?
As much as the Toon Army love attacking football, fans have not been treated to the best football this season with the first team being highly inconsistent and lacklustre. However, the performance against Tottenham was a breath of fresh air after a string of poor performances in past few months. The team however stuck together and put in a decent performance against Jose Mourinho's Tottenham to earn a share of the spoils.
Bruce has come under criticism in the past few months but did well in setting up the team against Spurs with important tactical changes. The three things Bruce got right against Tottenham was giving Murphy a start, he's a talented player who needs to be given more chances in the team, in a role that gives him the freedom to attack, as he could provide the support the strikers upfront need to put the ball at the back of the net. He could do some serious damage if he has a target man to aim for upfront as he does have the ability to put in decent crosses from out wide.
With Wilson nearing a return, Murphy could be key in providing support to the attacking players as well as providing decent cover to the defenders in his wingback role. Giving Matt Ritchie a start, in my opinion he should have been made Newcastle United captain as he is one of the few leaders in the current squad who is vocal on the pitch and can inspire players around him to step up their game. He is a passionate player and like Murphy can put in decent crosses to support the centre forwards. Hopefully Bruce will stick to a formation that gives Ritchie and Murphy game time as playing five at the back against a big team with attacking fullbacks is not a bad way to setup the team and Newcastle do have a lot of big games coming up against teams in the top half of the table.
Starting Gayle upfront to support Joelinton, the Brazilian is not a natural centre forward and has poor hold up play but with decent players to support him he can contribute more to the attack without the responsibility of having to hold the ball up the pitch. Playing Gayle took the pressure off Joelinton and helped him have a good game against Tottenham. Joelinton has not been the best this season but has added a bit of aggression to his playing style in recent weeks which has resulted in improved performances.
Bruce has made positive changes by playing attacking wingbacks and two strikers upfront with a decent midfield combination for support with Wilson and Saint-Maximin coming back with support from Ritchie and Murphy in the wingback roles we hope and pray Newcastle united will steer clear of the relegation zone.