Under Steve Bruce, Magpies fans have become used to seeing their side averaging low possession, which became increasingly noticeable during the club’s 11-match winless streak this term.
However in recent weeks, just as assistant coach Graeme Jones arrived, Newcastle seem to be playing more of the frontfoot as they aim to steer away from the relegation picture.
Courtesy of data from scouting experts Wyscout, we’ve looked at each top-flight club’s possession stats, ranking them in order to form a ‘possession table’.
United’s position is woeful – but also not surprising given how the season has panned out so far:
13. 13th - Tottenham Hotspur - 48.2%
Spurs’ approach to games has often been criticised this season with Jose Mourinho’s side sitting in an underwhelming position of 8th in the Premier League table. Photo: Pool
14. 14th - Wolverhampton Wanderers - 47.9%
Teams have nullified Wolves’ deadly counter-attack this season by allowing them more possession, something which Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have struggled with so far, hence their underwhelming league position. Photo: Catherine Ivill
15. 15th - Crystal Palace - 42.7%
Palace enjoy playing on the counter-attack, especially with the pace of Wilfried Zaha and Eberechi Eze in their ranks. Photo: Pool
16. 16th - West Ham United - 42.4%
Low in the possession charts but 6th in the Premier League table, David Moyes’ side are proving there are ways to win without dictating possession. Photo: MATTHEW CHILDS