Eddie Howe names the two Newcastle United players that really surprised him against Tottenham

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The Newcastle United train keeps rolling on.

Six wins from as many games across all competitions has raised fresh hope for what remains of the season.

Indeed, Newcastle are currently on course for Champions League qualification (should the Premier League be afforded five spots this season) and could yet reach another Carabao Cup final under Eddie Howe’s watch.

Clearly, achieving all that will be easier said than done but to have put themselves in such a strong position not long after the Newcastle United manager questioned his players for their attitude is some turnaround indeed.

Saturday’s 2-1 win at Tottenham means Howe’s side are within touching distance of the Premier League’s top four and surely few would bet against them on current form.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
4	ChelseaChelsea	19	10	5	4	38	23	15	35
5	NewcastleNewcastle	19	9	5	5	32	21	11	32
6	Man CityManchester City	19	9	4	6	32	26	6	31

What was most impressive about the win was the fact Newcastle had to come from behind.

Dominic Solanke had given Spurs an early lead and while elements of Newcastle’s comeback were fortunate in that Joelinton got a divisive handball decision in the build-up to Anthony Gordon’s goal, it was still a real test of character.

After the game, Howe talked up two players in particular.

Eddie Howe says two Newcastle United players surprised him against Tottenham

Howe appeared to be relatively (and no doubt pleasantly) surprised by how well Dan Burn and Sven Botman played together in a central defensive partnership.

The two, of course, have played together a lot but rarely at centre-back, with Fabian Schar usually in that spot and Burn at left-back.

That’s without even mentioning it was Botman’s first appearance since a serious knee injury suffered in March.

“I think there was good partnerships in the team, even Dan and Sven,” he said in a post-match press conference.

“Although they haven’t played together, I think the built up a good partnership there. Physically, I thought they did very well against Solanke, who’s a very good player.”

Alan Shearer says Sven Botman must be better after Newcastle United return

While Newcastle did defend well at times, Solanke’s goal was obviously a pretty poor way to start.

The striker got the best of Botman to nod in Pedro Porro’s opener, which club legend Alan Shearer pointed out during punditry duty.

Clearly, Botman should be afforded some understanding given just how long he’s been out.

Hopefully, that slight mistake is out of his system now. Arsenal await on Tuesday and Schar is again suspended…