There were some spectacular performances in Newcastle United’s win over Manchester United on Sunday.
Newcastle beat Man United 4-1 to move up to fourth in the Premier League, with the Magpies making it five wins in a row in all competitions.
Eddie Howe’s side are playing extremely well at this moment in time, as they aim to return to the Champions League.
Sandro Tonali was exceptional against Man United, while Tino Livramento continued his outstanding form at left-back.
However, it is Harvey Barnes who should be most proud of their performance.
Harvey Barnes was excellent in Newcastle’s win over Manchester United
Despite Anthony Gordon returning from injury, Barnes got the nod to retain his place in the Newcastle United starting XI.
While that may have been a reflection of Gordon’s fitness, it was also a testament to Barnes’ form. The 27-year-old has done really well since coming into the side for Gordon, but saved his best performance for his teammate’s return.
The former Leicester City player scored two very different but equally as impressive goals.
The first was just a tap in, but it highlighted Barnes’ goalscoring instinct. His movement got him an easy goal, as Jacob Murphy put the ball back into a perfect area after Tino Livramento’s initial cross.
Barnes’ second goal highlighted his confidence. He won the ball himself high up the pitch, as Newcastle aimed to punish a Manchester United mistake.
He had options to his left and his right, one of which was top scorer Alexander Isak, but Barnes backed his own ability to drive though the middle of the Man United defence and produce a glorious finish.
Barnes now has eight goals this season, while he has five goal contributions in his last four Premier League appearances.
Not only that, but Barnes is producing more than just moments. During his Newcastle United career, we have known all about his finishing ability. He has provided clutch moments in the final third, just like he did at Leicester.
But there have been question marks surrounding his overall game. He would score then go missing for large spells, or his moments of excellence would come in cameos off the bench – like his match-winning brace against West Ham United last season.
However, this was a complete performance. The Magpies’ number 11 was a threat for the entire 90 minutes against Man United, while Barnes has formed a great partnership with Livramento.
This has to go down as Barnes’ best ever Newcastle United performance since his £39million arrival.
The best and worst of Nick Pope was on display against Man United
At the other end of the pitch, Newcastle United saw the best and the worst of Nick Pope against Man United.
The goalkeeper produced a couple of really impressive saves, with his best coming when he denied Joshua Zirkzee in front of the Gallowgate.
As a shot-stopper, Pope is up there with the best.
However, there were moments when his inability to play out from the back was clear for all to see. Pope’s kicking left a lot to be desired, but it did not prove to be decisive as the Magpies picked up a comfortable victory.
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