Newcastle United showed up for the first real time this season on Saturday.
While Newcastle will likely always be disappointed not to win at home, their performance in the draw against Manchester City at St James’ Park was surely better than they’ve shown in some of their victories thus far.
Indeed, Eddie Howe’s side had largely underwhelmed before the 1-1 draw with the Premier League champions but responded to a dreadful performance at Fulham last weekend in almost the best possible fashion.
The Newcastle United manager was seriously impressed with Anthony Gordon despite having to play out of position as a striker, while Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Nick Pope.
Joelinton, meanwhile, was praised by pundit Joe Cole after a tireless performance in central midfield.
It was promising to see some of Newcastle’s biggest players step up and Howe was keen to talk up another of his stars in Lewis Hall.
Eddie Howe says Lewis Hall has a really bright future at Newcastle now
Brought in for Lloyd Kelly, the left-back impressed against perhaps the most difficult opposition world football has to offer.
Talking of the £28m star, Howe said: “Really pleased with Lewis today because it’s a big challenge and he’s up against not just his starting opponent but the substitutions and fresh players coming on,” he said (via talkSPORT on YouTube).
“He’s fatigued late in the game, so its really interesting to see how he adapts to that battle. I thought defensively he was very good. His positioning, his understanding because again tactically today we did something slightly different with our backline and he was pivotal to that.
“I thought he did really, really well. Also his composure on the ball, he’s very, very good technically. I think we can get him involved in the final third more.
“There’s areas to improve but he’s got a very bright future if he continues to develop like he is.”
Lewis Hall is in fine form for Newcastle
There hasn’t been too much to shout about at Newcastle this season, with many of their players underperforming.
Still, Harvey Barnes is impressing at least and there were signs of the team getting back up to speed during the City game.
Hall’s impressive outing also comes off the back of a positive 45 minutes at Fulham last weekend, a display to have left Howe impressed in otherwise difficult circumstances.
Kelly will no doubt push for a recall but Hall is certainly stating his case to become Newcastle’s starting left-back.
It’s not always been easy for the former Chelsea youngster but that was a statement of intent.
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