Ian Wright baffled why Newcastle didn’t use one particular tactic to ‘frustrate’ Chelsea more in 3-2 loss

Ian Wright feels Newcastle United should have frustrated Chelsea with deep blocks

Ian Wright questioned Newcastle United’s approach to the game and felt they had used different methods to nullify Chelsea in their 3-2 defeat to the Blues at Stamford Bridge.

Wright was astounded by the visitor’s highline approach and felt they should have played with a deep block to frustrate Chelsea during their attacks. The Blues opened the scoring just six minutes into the game through Nicolas Jackson.

For a long time, the visitors searched for the goal, and before halftime, Alexander Isak’s sumptuous finish outside the box in the 43^rd minute levelled the score. Cole Palmer then added a second goal with a low shot before Mykhaylo Mudryk beat a Newcastle defender, rounded Martin Dubravka and finished from a tight angle for Chelsea’s third.

In the ninetieth minute, a powerful strike from Jacob Murphy gave some hope for a comeback, but the Blues prevailed decisively. After the game, former Arsenal player Wright doubted Eddie Howe’s tactics and told Sky Sports:

“I cannot understand why they didn’t play a deep block and frustrate Chelsea more. I was confused by some of the things Eddie was saying [in his post-match interview] because I didn’t see where they had any kind of control.’’

This time we were great in attack and scored a goal just six minutes into the game. We showed great determination and possessed that attacking intent and nullified their defence. With Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer, and Mykhaylo Mudryk on the scoresheet, we were the better side and also displayed our vigour in front of the goal.

The last time we were at St. James Park, we lost 4-1. Newcastle dominated us, and we were handled like kids. We were unable to compete with their level of physicality. We matched their physicality yesterday, fought them head-to-head, and pulled off a convincing victory.

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Even though we didn’t play well in either half, beating Newcastle was a significant victory. This was more essential than anything else. We intend to build on this performance and keep up the same level of commitment for the duration of the season.