Newcastle United are back to their fighting best.
The thrilling but tight win over West Ham straight after the international break wasn’t exactly the most convincing defensive display. The draw with Everton was disappointing.
The less said about the performance in victory at Fulham, the better.
However, Newcastle turned on the style in on Saturday and thrashed Tottenham once again at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe’s ran out 4-0 winners over Spurs and sent themselves into the top six in the process.
With Manchester United drawing with Bournemouth and Newcastle boasting a game in hand over West Ham, Howe’s side are in the driving seat in that particular battle.
To potentially finish in the top six during this most difficult of campaigns would be a pretty remarkable achievement from Howe and his coaching staff.
It’s not been easy and players have underperformed along the way, such have been the demands set on them throughout it.
Still, what can rarely be questioned about Newcastle is their fighting spirit.
Take Dan Burn for example.
The £13m defender has struggled at times this season but has constantly had the backing of Howe.
He’s moved into central defence of late and was duly praised by Howe for his leadership at the back.
Eddie Howe says Dan Burn is an “absolute role model” at Newcastle
Speaking after the victory, Howe said (via The Athletic): “He’s been a big part of our leadership group for a long time.
“But, out of that leadership group, he’s the only one who is fit, which is a problem for us. When you lose the voices and the positive inputs that those players are providing, it leaves a gap. Dan’s been the one consistent for us. He’s been huge in lots of different respects; he’s an absolute role model for everyone to look at. He does lead by example every single day.”
How did Dan Burn play for Newcastle vs Tottenham?
Burn was at his resolute defensive best on Saturday.
According to WhoScored data, the 31-year-old contributed one interception (ranking joint-third), made three clearances (ranking third), managed a block (ranking joint-second) and won two aerial duels (ranking joint-second).
He’s come through all the criticism to help Newcastle look as if they are in a position to finish the season very strongly indeed.
It’s wonderful to see.
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