In football, a team’s success is often built from the back. While the goal scorers grab the headlines, it is the solid, unyielding work of the defenders that provides the platform for victory.
For Newcastle United, their recent 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest was a perfect example of this principle in action.
The match will be remembered for Bruno Guimaraes’ stunning long-range strike and Nick Woltemade’s coolly taken penalty, but the foundation for those moments was laid by a defensive unit that is quickly becoming one of the most reliable in the Premier League.
The victory itself was a significant one, lifting the mood around St. James’ Park and providing a much-needed boost after a tricky start to the season.
The opening goal was a moment of pure individual brilliance from captain Bruno Guimaraes, who unleashed a powerful, curling shot from 25 yards that left the goalkeeper with no chance.
The points were sealed later when Woltemade stepped up to convert a penalty, a reward for his growing confidence and a sign of his seamless adaptation to English football.
In doing so, he joined an elite club of Newcastle strikers, becoming only the third player after legends Alan Shearer and Les Ferdinand to score in each of his first three Premier League home games.
But as the final whistle blew and the celebrations began, it was the team’s defensive resilience that earned the most praise from within the camp.
This was Newcastle’s fifth clean sheet in just seven league matches this season, a remarkable statistic that highlights their organization and discipline.
Manager Eddie Howe was quick to single out his defenders for their contributions, emphasizing that the team’s strength lies in its depth and the unique qualities of each player.
At the heart of this defensive solidity is the burgeoning partnership between Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw.
Howe expressed his delight with the duo, noting that while he believed they could play well together, it’s always a relief to see the theory work in practice.
He also made a point to praise the entire defensive group, from the experienced Fabian Schar to the versatile Dan Burn, and the reliable backups like Jamaal Lascelles and Emil Krafth.
This collective strength means that no matter who is on the pitch, the standard remains high.
One player, in particular, seems to be recapturing the form that made him such a key signing. That player is Sven Botman.
After a couple of seasons disrupted by injury, the Dutch defender is now stringing together a run of starts, and his influence is growing with each game.
His presence brings a sense of calm and authority to the backline. He is not just a defender who clears the ball; he is a distributor, someone who can start attacks with intelligent passes from deep positions.
The camaraderie within the squad was on full display after the match on social media. Botman posted a photo of himself celebrating with goal-scorer Nick Woltemade, simply captioning it, “The GEORDIES.”
The club captain, Bruno Guimaraes, commented with a proud “My player.” But it was Woltemade’s reply that truly captured Botman’s importance. The German striker bestowed upon his teammate a simple but powerful new nickname: “Dutch wall Sven.”
It’s a nickname that Manager Eddie Howe would find very difficult to argue with. In his post-match comments, Howe went even further, describing Botman as a “physical beast” and a “man-mountain.”
He spoke openly about how much the team missed him during his injury absence, not just for his defensive prowess but for his unique ability to distribute the ball under pressure. Howe’s belief in Botman is absolute, stating that when the defender is at his best, there are very few players in the world he would swap him for.
The story of this Newcastle victory, then, is a tale of two halves. The attack provided the fireworks and the finishing touch, with Woltemade continuing his fairytale start.
But the true story, the one that promises sustained success, is being written at the back. With a “Dutch wall” in defense and a growing understanding across the entire backline, Newcastle is building a foundation that could very well carry them to their ambitions this season. The goals win the games, but the clean sheets win the points that build a successful campaign.
