I know this topic is looking at the PL in more general terms, but if we focus on last night....
The consensus seems to be that Newcastle, despite being very negative, had the right set up as come the 80th minute they were still in with a shout. Sort of justifying an extreme defensive display because that meant they could throw the kitchen sink in the last 10 minutes, and if that didn't materialise then a 0-1 defeat was hardly a disaster or embarrassing.
But Newcastle could've had no qualms whatsoever if they went into the break 4 goals down. It was only our poor finishing (and an outstanding save) that kept the score down. It certainly wasn't a defensive masterclass, far from it. They gave us loads of space in their final 3rd and we really should've had a commanding half time lead. So Newcastle had the worst of both worlds; zero attacking threat and a backline that was breached numerous times.
If I was an observer, then I'd have no idea what the best line would be to stop City. When you've seen teams have a go and get thrashed, and likewise sit deep and defend and also get a hiding, it must be a nightmare for opposition managers. From a City perspective I'd say our toughest games (from memory) were Huddersfield away and Southampton at home. Both games required late winners, and both games they were difficult to break down. But for that you need the right set of players playing to a very specific gameplan, something which I don't think Newcastle had last night.
It is a bit of a freak season though, I'm sure next year and beyond we won't see anything on this scale again. Oh, and if bookies we're offering evens for next year you'd have to lump your house on it
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