Newcastle United looked back to themselves on Wednesday night, with so many players thriving against Chelsea in black and white.
Lewis Hall is becoming a star for this Newcastle United team, while Sean Longstaff showed what he is all about in the middle of the park.
Emil Krafth was outstanding at right-back, and Sandro Tonali thrived in his new position.
The Carabao Cup tie was also used as a chance to give Joe Willock a start, as he continues to build his fitness back up after a lengthy injury.
The 25-year-old has only shown flashes of brilliance this season. There have been moments of magic, but not enough to justify a consistent place in the starting XI.
But that could soon change, with Willock producing an excellent display during Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Chelsea. The win means that the Magpies are in the quarter final of the Carabao Cup, where they will face Brentford.
What Eddie Howe said about Joe Willock’s performance vs Chelsea
This was Willock’s first Newcastle start since the previous round of the Carabao Cup.
He performed really well, and even thought he had got himself a goal. It was his header that resulted in Newcastle doubling their lead in the 26th minute, but it has gone down as an Axel Disasi own goal.
Despite being robbed of his second goal of the season, Eddie Howe was really pleased with what he saw from Willock.
The Newcastle United manager has spoken to the club’s official website about Willock, with Howe admitting that he has been a big miss.
“I thought Joe was good tonight,” he said.
“That sort of goal typifies him. He has the ability to score. He always wants to be in the box. He always wants to be creative.
“He’s a really energetic force in our midfield when he’s playing well.
“We’ve missed him so much through injury. It’s been very difficult for him. It’s been a long way back and it’s never been totally smooth.
“He looked good, physically. He looked fit. Big performance from him.”
Willock gives Newcastle a selection headache
The £25million midfielder played really well on Wednesday night. Willock dovetailed with Joelinton brilliantly down the left, as Howe reverted back to a tactic that brought him so much success during the 2022/23 season.
With Willock adding extra dynamism to the Newcastle United midfield, Howe has a selection headache.
All three of the Newcastle midfielders excelled against Chelsea, and it will be interesting to see how the Toon boss tweaks his team on Saturday. The Magpies face Arsenal at St James’ Park, and at least one change feels inevitable with Bruno Guimaraes returning.
But whose place will he take? Willock has done his best to prove that it should not be him, as his former club prepares to head to Tyneside.
Willock has been a big miss for Newcastle. Longstaff believes Willock is underrated, and he proved why against Chelsea. He brings something completely different to this Newcastle team, while he has great chemistry with Alexander Isak.
His speed and power with the ball was on display, and Howe will now be working out how to get Willock playing like this on a consistent basis.
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