It was greeted with ironic cheers from several sections of the villa park, but it was clearly a deliberate tactic by the visitors.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe appears to be taking inspiration from Louis Enrique’s PSG, who has adopted the approach several times in recent months.
At various points running to the glory of the UEFA Champions League last season, the PSG players returned the ball from kickoff for their teammates to touch the half of the opposition.
Reacting to this particular kickoff during the commentary on TNT Sports and Discovery+, Ally McCoist states:
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Video Credit: TNT Sports
This tactic makes League One famous for its high press, and the opposite is secured with the corner, and is immediately put into pressure.
Vitinha, who is generally responsible for sending the ball out of play, appeared to be running wrong against Tottenham Hotspur and sent the ball straight for a goal kick.
Commenting on TNT Sports, Darren Fletcher said, following Tonari’s pinpoint efforts:
“Unlike the other nights, it wasn’t shank. It wasn’t the best of Bicinya, but it was fine.”
It remains to be seen whether it is a tactic to employ from all kickoffs as Newcastle holds clean seats in the Villa Park.
