Jordan Nobbs: the heartbeat of Newcastle’s midfield
For Jordan Nobbs, influence has never been measured purely in numbers. Her composure in possession, creativity on the ball and her ability to read the game has allowed her to flourish this season under Tanya Oxtoby’s management.
Her influence and experience in the BWSL has played a pivotal role in driving Newcastle’s impressive campaign this season.
And against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, her impact was summed up in one decisive moment.
Delivering against Forest
Newcastle’s trip to Nottingham Forest followed a familiar pattern. As the Magpies pushed for the coveted third-place play-off spot, their control in possession and aggressive attacking intent was evident throughout the match but, translating that into clear-cut chances proved more difficult.
At the centre of Newcastle’s attack, though, was Nobbs.
Operating in her usual central role, the 33 year old dictated the tempo throughout the game from the midfield, finishing the match with one of the highest touch counts on the pitch alongside maintaining a pass completion rate above 80% in the opposition half.
More tellingly, she recorded multiple key passes and progressive carries, underlining her control of the game leading Newcastle into advanced areas. But as the game entered its closing stages, Newcastle still trailed 1-0.
That was until the 91st minute.
Picking up possession on the edge of the area, Murphy laid the ball off to Nobbs, who struck the ball cleanly, sending a powerful effort beyond the goalkeeper to secure a late equaliser.
Her goal reflected her willingness to shoot from distance. With Nobbs averaging 1.5 shots per 90 from outside the box this season.
After the game Nobbs stated that Newcastle “dominated the game” and “deserved the three points” but had to settle for one.
Influencer
This season Nobbs has cemented herself as an integral part of Newcastle’s midfield, with her impact reflected in both her creative output and consistent high-performance levels.
This season she has registered five assists in 17 appearances, placing her among the top creators in the league, with an assist rate of around 0.31 per 90 minutes highlighting her ability to consistently create high-quality chances for her teammates.
As well as this, her average match rating of 7.3 highlights the consistency of her performances and her significant influence on the pitch.
Rather than physically dominate the opponent, Nobbs dictates tempo, exploits spaces and provides her team with creative genius in the final third making her a key component within Newcastle’s attacking structure across the season.
Experience shaping performances
Nobbs’ influence on Newcastle’s performances is heavily rooted in her 15 years competing in the BWSL. Competing for English powerhouse Arsenal, she won three Super League titles, four FA Cups and five Women’s league cups. Nobbs’ undeniable talent and impressive trophy cabinet highlight her experience, leadership and winning mentality, qualities she has brought to Newcastle to guide the team through a tough and competitive season.
Years of top-flight football have equipped her with an incredible understanding of game management and decision making under pressure reflected in her goal involvement per 90 minutes standing at a strong 0.64.
Her remarkable creative and technical ability in the final third has allowed her to feature on the scoresheet six times for the Magpies, especially in games against league-leaders Birmingham City and play-off rivals Southampton. Scoring in such prominent matches for Newcastle immediately cemented Nobbs’ position in the midfield and as a dependable leader in the dressing room.
Nobbs’ ability to combine her experience and creativity has made her an indispensable figure in Newcastle’s midfield this season, driving them towards fighting for a possible chance of promotion.
Magpies looking to fly high
As the BWSL2 season reaches its final stages, Nobbs’ role becomes even more important in shaping Newcastle’s promotion push.
Sitting in fourth, the Magpies must win their next two games in order to have a chance of claiming third place and a chance to compete in the play-offs.
Nobbs’ vision in unlocking stubborn defences and tenacity on the ball gives Newcastle a crucial edge against rivals going into these final games of the season. Whether dictating play from deep or arriving late in the box, Nobbs provides a constant attacking threat opponents struggle to cope with.
Additionally, her belief and standards throughout the 2025-26 campaign elevate those around her, with Newcastle on track for their best points total in the BWSL2.
If Newcastle are able to secure a play-off spot and have their strongest season to date, Nobbs’ influence will almost certainly be at the heart of that success.
Word credit: Isabella Walling
