‘Big difference’… Alan Shearer hails simple Eddie Howe change that has revitalised Newcastle United

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Newcastle United head into the international break on a high after they handed an in-form Nottingham Forest only their second defeat of the season as Eddie Howe’s men made it three wins on the bounce.

The Magpies trailed 1-0 at half-time at the City Ground, but a hugely impressive second half performance with goals from Alexander Isak, Joelinton and Havey Barnes saw them earn a deserved victory.

It was a third win in a row across all competitions for Howe’s side, who now move up to eighth place in a congested Premier League table, but are just one point behind third-placed Chelsea.

The victory came on the week that Howe celebrated his third anniversary in the Newcastle job and means the Magpies can be bullish over their hopes of contending for a European spot as they use the break to reflect on how the season has gone so far.

Alan Shearer praises Eddie Howe’s midfield tweaks

Newcastle’s run of three consecutive wins came after a five-match slump which threatened to derail their season, with Magpies legend Alan Shearer explaining what Howe has done to get his side back on track.

“He has found the balance in midfield and that has been the big difference,” Shearer said on the Rest is Football podcast. “That’s where the change has been. Joe Willock has come in to the left of the three in midfield, Bruno in the middle and Longstaff just to the right of them.

“And then Joelinton either left side upfront or right side. He played both sides again today which allows Gordon to play left or right. And I think that balance has worked perfectly.

“That has been the big difference.”

Howe’s midfield options are good news for European push

Howe having found his midfield formula this season gives Newcastle a vital building block for success. Sandro Tonali had to again settle for a place among the substitutes this weekend, but he was able to make a match-winning 21-minute cameo when he came off the bench at the City ground.

The Italy international played a part in Joelinton’s go-ahead goal shortly after his introduction and assisted Barnes’ third which sealed the three points.

• READ MORE: Newcastle United player ratings vs Nottingham Forest: Joelinton one of two standouts, 4/10 struggles

Time for Newcastle to capitalise

With Howe having settled on his midfield mix, the international break has perhaps not come at the perfect time, but the club do have favourable fixtures after the break.

A hit-and-miss West Ham side visit St James’ Park in the first game back after the break on Monday, November 25, with the Magpies heading to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace the following weekend.

A bg midweek clash against Liverpool is then followed up by games against Brentford and Leicester before the busy festive schedule kicks in.