Wednesday night’s win over Manchester City was a huge moment in time for Newcastle United.
For the first time since something of a smash-and-grab under Rafa Benitez in 2019, Newcastle finally beat Man City.
While it must be noted that Pep Guardiola made a raft of changes for the Carabao Cup game at St James’ Park, so did Eddie Howe.
One of those was bringing summer signing Tino Livramento into the starting lineup.
The defender has had to bide his time amid Kieran Trippier’s ongoing excellence in the starting lineup but put in a thoroughly impressive performance at right-back.
Indeed, goalscorer Alexander Isak was certainly impressed.
Alexander Isak says Tino Livramento was “incredible” on Wednesday night
The Swede, who notched the winner not long after half-time, was effusive in his praise of Livramento immediately after the game.
“He was incredible,” Isak told Sky Sports.
“It’s not easy, we made a lot of changes, but you heard the fans they were shouting his name the whole game and it was well deserved.”
How well did Livramento play against Man City?
Though City did make a lot of changes, Livramento – only back from a serious injury reasonably recently – was still up against £100m winger, Jack Grealish.
As WhoScored data notes, the 20-year-old was a defensive wall on the night.
No one on the pitch made more tackles (8) or interceptions (3) and only Jamaal Lascelles pulled off more clearances (7 to 2).
Having cost an initial £30m and having so much of his career ahead of him, this could really have been the start of something special for Livramento at Newcastle.
Trippier will take some ousting as first choice but, long term, the evidence suggests the former Chelsea youngster has the tools to hit the ground running.
Trippier cannot go forever. Luckily, Newcastle might now have the future.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
