Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe experimented with his starting XI against West Ham.
The Magpies had to make a change after news last week revealed that they would be without three key players for a lengthy period of time.
Newcastle United will travel to Wembley Stadium for the Carabao Cup final on Sunday and need their strongest possible starting XI ahead of the game against Liverpool. Monday evening’s visit to the London Stadium to face West Ham United was a perfect opportunity to try something out.
Eddie Howe opted to play Tino Livramento as a left-back and Harvey Barnes on the left wing due to Lewis Hall and Anthony Gordon’s absences. Defender Sven Botman will also miss the final with a knee injury, but Dan Burn has been a fantastic option while he has been away.
Despite the absentees, Newcastle beat West Ham in a gritty performance thanks to a second-half strike by Bruno Guimaraes.
It was a position Livramento hasn’t played often but Barnes had a big opportunity to impress Howe with Gordon out.
With Barnes taking the reins from the 24-year-old, fans have reacted to his performance on social media.
Newcastle fans mixed reactions to Harvey Barnes’ performance
Barnes has had a hard time this season, with Gordon the firm first-choice left winger for the Magpies. Despite his lack of starts, Barnes has still managed to score five times this season.
He came close on a couple of occasions on Monday night, hitting two efforts on target while blasting another one wide from a tight angle. The 27-year-old left his mark on the game just three minutes after the hour mark, however, putting in a clever ball for Bruno Guimaraes to fire home.
With Barnes getting a solid 78 minutes in the book ahead of the Carabao Cup final, Newcastle fans have reacted to his performance on X.
“Harvey Barnes goodness me what has happened to you.” said one Newcastle fan, while another added: “That’s genuinely an outrageously good assist by Harvey Barnes. At that angle, from that close, you have no right to find a pass like that.
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Another fan added: “Harvey Barnes best player on the field by a mile. Earned his start on Sunday.”
Meanwhile, this Newcastle fan said: “Not liking how inverted Harvey Barnes is playing, Tino having no support from him out wide so Tonali and Isak getting dragged over to create a crossing angle and there’s even less action down the right-hand side. They’re all over the place.”
Finally, this fan said: “Harvey Barnes was brilliant tonight.”
What Eddie Howe said about Harvey Barnes before West Ham win
Barnes has given Howe a lot to think about going into Sunday. The left-wing position was still all to play for before the West Ham game but now Barnes will be in contention of being in the starting XI for the Carabao Cup final.
Howe also experimented with a left-hand side including Joe Willock, with Joelinton feeding off him in midfield.
Ahead of the game, Howe spoke to Sky Sports about Barnes’ inclusion.
“It’s a great opportunity for Harvey. I think he’s somebody that we really believe in. He’s been a bit frustrated with his lack of opportunities in the Premier League with the form of Anthony Gordon.
“Both vying really for that left-hand side position but with Anthony’s suspension I really back Harvey, I think he’s a real goalscoring threat. Back from injury and we hope he goes well today.”
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