This article is part of Football FanCast's The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
Fabian Schar has been Newcastle's best defender this season so it is testament to Steve Bruce's abilities that his side picked up a win last week despite the Swiss' absence through injury - he will also miss the clash with Bournemouth today.
On the chalkboard
The centre-back had been a regular performer in the Newcastle back five prior to sustaining a knee injury, and though the Magpies had to re-jig things with Ciaran Clark coming in, they looked comfortable last weekend.
The Irishman got on the scoresheet, too, but his one tackle meant he fell short of Schar, who has averaged two tackles per game in the 2019/20 Premier League.
In fact, his tackle success rate is one of the best for players outside of the top-six clubs, and he has only been dribbled past 11 times despite coming up against players Son Heung-min, Marcus Rashford and Willian, proving himself worthy of his £40,000-a-week salary.
No Newcastle defender has made more interceptions than the 28-year-old, either, so the defence would have been forgiven for struggling a little more against the Hammers, and the fact they looked as organised and resolute as always - except for the last minute - means Bruce should be commended.
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Strength in depth
Recent matches have shown that the work Bruce is implementing at Newcastle is beginning to pay off, and but for Robert Snodgrass' last-gasp strike they would have only conceded three goals in the past four games.
That is an impressive return, even more so when you consider the fact that Bruce hasn't added to his centre-back options, and is therefore making the most of the players brought to the club by Rafa Benitez.
The additions he has made in the full-back areas, Jetro Willems and Emil Krafth, have settled in well and added to the defence, with the former in particular impressing.
He deserves credit for the organisation of the team, and the manner in which they bounced back from the 5-0 defeat at Leicester, as players easily could have lost confidence and morale, but instead defeated Manchester United.
If the Magpies can maintain their resolute defence, with or without Schar in the side, then they have the foundations in place for a successful campaign, and if the front-three can find that extra bit of quality at the other end of the pitch they will have an effective balance in the team.