Arsenal
Aston Villa
Chelsea
Crystal Palace
Everton
Fulham
Leeds United
Liverpool
Manchester City
Manchester United
Newcastle United
Nottingham Forest
Southampton
Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United
Wolverhampton Wanderers
News
Former Newcastle defender Mike Williamson praises Jamaal Lascelles and Paul Dummett
Former Newcastle defender Mike Williamson was keen to praise current Magpies defensive duo Jamaal Lascelles and Paul Dummett,
Newcastle may be struggling down the bottom of the table, but Williamson feels that Lascelles, 25, and £35,000-a-week () ace Dummett help provide a very strong bedrock.
Asked about undroppable players, Williamson : “You’ve got Jamaal who was there when I was there. Physically, technically and tactically, he’s got all the attributes. You would naturally look at him because he’s worn the armband and he’s a good character that can drag players through.”
“Dummy, the style of player he is, has always been that unsung hero. I don’t think some people saw the value he brought. I’ve always thoroughly enjoyed playing with him, he knows what he’s about and he does what he’s strong at well. People like that. Whenever you need a result and characters with honesty and desire, he will be the first one on the teamsheet.”
TBR’s View – Newcastle need inspiration down the other end or their strong defensive selection will mean little
One of Rafa Benitez’s biggest challenges at Newcastle was always how to combine attacking invention with the defensive solidity he fostered.
That’s what Steve Bruce has to do now, too. Newcastle have players at the back who generally dig in and battle, but more in forward areas is needed to ease the pressure and actually get wins on a reasonably consistent basis.
Otherwise, the backline will just come under too much strain, and even players such as Lascelles and Dummett will find it far too hard.