It has been a good few days for Newcastle United.
While the win over Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup earlier this week may not have been fully convincing, Newcastle managed to get their Premier League campaign back up and running.
Indeed, Eddie Howe’s side punished Wolves and ran out 3-0 winners at St James’ Park, marking their first victory at home since December.
Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento were all on the scoresheet on a productive day for Howe.
It was also a welcome clean sheet after defensive problems of late and the Newcastle boss was particularly pleased with one player.
Fabian Schar: Eddie Howe hails “absolute class” performance vs Wolves
Speaking after the game, Howe was asked about the performance of Fabian Schar.
The Newcastle boss responded (via Lee Ryder on X, formerly Twitter): “He’s as good a defender as I’ve seen.
“Two moments of absolute class today.”
Fabian Schar: How did Newcastle star play vs Wolves?
Criticised after his performance at Arsenal last weekend, this was a return to form for Schar.
According to WhoScored data, the 32-year-old made one interception, made three clearances (second only to Dan Burn) and also a block.
With Wolves piling on the pressure in the second half until Livramento’s goal wrapped things up, that kind of defensive solidity was vital.
Schar was excellent last season but, like the rest of the defence, has struggled at times since. Though relying on him to consistently keep Newcastle in games at his age does not feel like a particularly coherent strategy, it is fantastic to see him return to form.
It hasn’t been easy for Newcastle defensively this season. During what remains of the campaign, they need their big players to step up from here.
Schar needs to be at the heart of that. Thankfully on Saturday, he very much was.
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