Newcastle United head into the final international break of the season in fine form.
After a tough watch for most of the season thus far, Newcastle have turned things around recently. Wins over Chelsea, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest have raised fresh optimism about the season ahead.
Indeed, Eddie Howe’s side head into the international break just one point off the top four and as one of the Premier League’s form sides.
They will no doubt fancy their chances at home to West Ham after the break too, particularly now the goals are flowing.
Sunday’s win, after all, was the first time Newcastle have scored three goals in a game this season.
It was fantastic to see the firepower return at the City Ground. Alexander Isak made it four goals in as many games, while Joelinton’s strike was a fine finish.
Harvey Barnes added a late one too and Jamie Carragher talked up the forward’s ability in front of goal.
Jamie Carragher now makes big claim about Newcastle star Harvey Barnes
Reflecting on his goal at Forest, Sky Sports pundit Carragher revealed he in fact expects Barnes to score literally whenever he’s through on goal – such is the level of his ability.
“Whenever he comes on, he is a huge goal threat,” he said on Sky Sports on 10/11/2024.
“More space opens up for you as a substitute. Anthony Gordon is probably looking at that and thinking, I have wore the full-back out and then you come on and get the rewards. But whenever he is running through in that position, Harvey Barnes, I always fancy him to score.”
Harvey Barnes is going to cause Eddie Howe a headache at Newcastle
Barnes has some big competition on the left hand side of the attack, with Anthony Gordon wanting to play there and Joelinton impressing Howe with his performances in that role.
While it’s not been always been plain sailing for Barnes this season, his numbers cannot really be argued with.
No one has scored more goals for Newcastle this season than him (4). Not even Isak.
Though having too many compelling options to play at once is hardly a bad thing for Howe, it’s still something to work out.
It’ll be fascinating to see if Barnes comes into the team more regularly again…
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