Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has some big decisions to make ahead of facing Fulham on Saturday.
The Magpies have maintained their unbeaten start to the season, with Newcastle winning 2-1 against Wolves on Sunday.
Eddie Howe‘s side are now third in the Premier League, but had to rely on their substitutes to change the game at Molineux.
Some big Newcastle United players were left out of the starting XI, with the likes of Harvey Barnes, Sandro Tonali and Kieran Trippier all starting on the bench.
Theo Walcott thought the introduction of Sandro Tonali made a difference, while Jamie Redknapp praised Kieran Trippier for his impact on the game.
But it was Harvey Barnes who provided the biggest contribution, with his incredible goal giving Newcastle all three points.
Eddie Howe comments on not starting Harvey Barnes against Wolves
It was a huge shock to see Barnes dropped from the starting XI. Jacob Murphy took his place, despite Barnes scoring in the previous game against Tottenham.
Now Eddie Howe has addressed his decision to bench Barnes, and has admitted that the 26-year-old has now given him a headache ahead of the Magpies’ next game.
“They are the headaches that you want,” he told BBC Sport, when asked about Barnes’ contribution off the bench.
“This was a very difficult team to pick. Leaving Harvey and other players out was very difficult. But it is what you are paid to do, to make tough calls.
“All you want when the player enters the pitch is to try and prove that he should start the next game.”
Barnes has sent a message to the Newcastle United manager
While Howe will argue that his decision to use Barnes as a finisher rather than a starter paid off, the winger must have forced his way into the manager’s starting XI for next week.
Offensively, there has not been a better Newcastle United player this season. Barnes has enjoyed a really strong start to the campaign, and he has now proven to be decisive in back-to-back away games. After struggling so much on the road last season, Barnes is putting Newcastle’s travel woes behind them.
Next up is another away game, with Newcastle taking on Fulham at Craven Cottage.
While Howe obviously wants to play Anthony Gordon on the left, he simply cannot leave Barnes out. The former Leicester City man is proving to be too influential, and deserves the opportunity to be a consistent starter for the Magpies.
Fortunately, Howe does have the luxury of starting Gordon on the right, and that decision is easier to make after Newcastle failed to sign a winger during the summer transfer window.
It was a shock to see Barnes on the bench against Wolves, and it will be an even bigger shock if he does not start against Fulham.
While it is great to have proper depth and see Newcastle’s substitutes make a difference, Barnes simply has to start moving forwards.
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