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:
17. 17th - Sheffield United - 41.3%
Chris Wilder has stuck to his guns in terms of the Blades’ style of play this season with their possession stats the fourth lowest in the top-flight. Photo: Pool
18. 18th - Burnley - 39.2%
Sean Dyche’s Clarets have never been one to dictate possession during their time in the Premier League, opting for more of a direct approach. Photo: Pool
19. 19th - Newcastle United - 38.7%
Steve Bruce has adapted his style of play in recent weeks following the arrival of Graeme Jones with the Magpies aiming to play more on the frontfoot. Photo: OWEN HUMPHREYS
20. 20th - West Bromwich Albion - 37.3%
Sam Allardyce much prefers a direct style of play but it is doing nothing to aid West Brom’s fortunes at the moment. Photo: GARETH COPLEY