Newcastle United have proved a tough nut to crack this season as they scale the Premier League table in search of a European finish. That resolute defence was at its brilliant best once again on Tuesday as Bournemouth failed to land a blow in the Carabao Cup last 16.
Eddie Howe has created a resilient and reliable back line since taking the reins amid early scepticism over his capabilities in organising a defence. Whether it is a mix Fabian Schar, Sven Botman, Dan Burn or Jamaal Lascelles occupying the heart of the defence, the north east outfit are finding it easy to keep even the best sides out.
Newcastle are now 12 games unbeaten in all competitions and have kept five clean sheets in a row at St James' Park. However, a statistic that seems to have gone under the radar pertains to the lack of goals the Magpies are conceding in the first-half.
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Newcastle have not conceded a goal in the opening 45 minutes of a game since Ruben Neves found the net for Wolves in the 38th-minute on August 22nd. 13 games of keeping the ball out of Nick Pope's before the interval is testament to how Newcastle have started games during their fine run of form.
Howe made the tough call to dislodge out and out No 1 Martin Dubravka following Pope's summer arrival but was instantly rewarded for the bold decision as the former Burnley man impressed in between the sticks. Despite a failure to gain any minutes in Qatar in recent weeks, the shot-stopper looks ready to continue where he left off before the international break.
Another decision that has worked wonders for Newcastle is keeping Fabian Schar at the club. Tossed onto the scrap heap under Steve Bruce, the Swiss defender is playing his best football in black and white since his £3m arrival under Rafa Benitez.
The Toon defender was another who failed to enjoy a successful World Cup but has been one of the stand out performers at the heart of Howe's defence in recent months. Schar's price tag looks like more of a snip with each and every passing week under this manager.
Then there is Sven Botman. The Dutch defender looks a future captain in waiting after only a brief stint on Tyneside. Howe believes the former Lille star enjoyed his best game 'aerially' in the 1-0 Bournemouth win.
The entire group has proven their new-found winning mentality of late as the fight for places heats up ahead of the January transfer window. Howe was even able to call on all five of his returning World Cup stars from the outset against the Cherries this week.
"I had a discussion with all the international lads. I asked them if they felt able to play, and all of them were desperate to come back and be part of this game, which was a great thing for me, and a real sign of their mentality and professionalism," Howe told reporters after the game.
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