Newcastle have been utilising an incredible time wasting tactic thus far this season as they bid to climb clear of the Premier League relegation zone.
The Magpies have won all of their last three games, beating Leeds, Everton, and Aston Villa. 
Of course, this weekend they come up against the Hammers, and the I reports that they have been utilising a novel tactic in order to win their games; keeping the ball out of play.
Against Villa, in a game that they won 1-0, the ball was in play for just 43 minutes and six seconds of the 90.
Against Everton, the ball was in play for 45 minutes and 16 seconds.
Eddie Howe’s team, as a result, are clearly playing as little football as possible as they look to fight their way to survival, and they are currently four points clear of the drop zone.
They are third-bottom for teams keeping the ball in play – ahead of only Aston Villa and Southampton. The Hammers are 10th, by comparison.
If the Hammers re to win this weekend, the ball needs to stay on the pitch for as long as possible.
What a ridiculous article.
1) if NUFC are 3rd bottom for ball in play and 4th bottom in league – maybe it’s in NUFC’s interest to keep the ball in play?
2) Would you rather the ball was in play and at Saint-Maximin’s feet?
3) The ball being out of play also involves the opposition taking time on throws, corners, free kicks and goal kicks.
4) If you’re that worried, put pressure on the PL/FA to stop the referees watch like in rugby – a much better system.
It’s an I report not ours
We should learn from that when we are ahead in games especially at home where we can really utilise it, it’s good game management considering we aren’t that great at holding onto the ball.
Not surprising really. Bournemouth were exactly the same when Howe was manager there. We can expect “simulation” to increase as well .