Newcastle United keep finding a way this season.
Indeed, Newcastle are yet to truly blow a team away this season but, so far at least, it has not really mattered.
Eddie Howe’s side beat Tottenham on Sunday to maintain their unbeaten start to the season across all competitions.
After a difficult transfer window – so bad it was criticised by club legend Alan Shearer – it felt like a hugely important three points. While it wasn’t their most vintage of performances, a defeat at home after such a poor window would have only added to the misery.
In lieu of many new faces, Howe is going to have to get more out of some of the players who couldn’t perform last season.
Harvey Barnes is one of them having suffered injury problems last time out and is already making quite the impact, scoring a brilliant opener against Spurs.
Then, there’s Sandro Tonali.
The Italian was hailed by Howe after the Spurs win and also drew the praise of Tino Livramento.
Tino Livramento buzzing for Sandro Tonali after Newcastle return
Speaking to reporter Andy Sixsmith (via social media platform X), Livramento revealed that the squad love working with Tonali and that he’s delighted the midfielder is taking his performances in training onto the pitch.
Tino Livramento rates Sandro Tonali so highly
Even before the season started, Livramento hailed Tonali as a “machine”.
Having come back to make an instant impact following such a long ban from the rigours of the game, it’s certainly hard to doubt that. It’s as if he’s never been away.
Tonali will of course have to prove it over a longer period of time but the early signs are very promising indeed.
Following a poor transfer window, Newcastle definitely need a lift. Hopefully, Tonali’s return can do exactly that this season.
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