Ralph Hasenhuttl's verdict on Steve Bruce's 'changing' Newcastle United tactics

That’s the verdict of Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl ahead of tomorrow night’s game at the St Mary’s Stadium.

Bruce, after chopping and changing formations in the club’s first five games, switched to a more defensive, counter-attacking system after last months's 4-1 home defeat to Manchester United. Newcastle – who beat Everton 2-1 last weekend – are now “more compact and stable”, according to Hasenhuttl.

"They have tried a lot of tactical variations so far – their shape’s always changing,” said Hasenhuttl. “They’ve found a more compact and stabilised shape now. They’re not conceding many goals, and this has been key to making sure you do not concede many goals. It took time, and now they stick to it – and now it works.”

Karl Darlow had been the Premier League’s busiest goalkeeper before the tactical change at United.