Eddie Howe reveals Newcastle United duo are forming ‘good relationship’ after starring in 3-0 Leicester win

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Newcastle United achieved a comfortable 3-0 win over Leicester City without ever playing at their best.

It was always important for Eddie Howe to refocus Newcastle United on their Premier League campaign after the heights of lifting the Carabao Cup.

Back-to-back victories over Brentford and Leicester City will put a smile on his face, with the Magpies keeping pace in their push for Champions League qualification.

Newcastle are back up to fifth in the Premier League table and with a game in hand on those around them, they are in a very strong position to challenge for a top-four finish.

Howe named an unchanged side at the King Power Stadium and after full-time he mentioned that there is a new relationship forming in this side that he likes the look of.

Eddie Howe spots new Harvey Barnes combination

Newcastle’s usual left flank has been missing recently with Anthony Gordon out injured and Lewis Hall recovering from surgery.

It has given Harvey Barnes a chance to impress on the left and the 27-year-old took his opportunity with both hands against his former side.

Newcastle fans raved about Barnes’ display, while even Leicester fans were cheering Barnes on his return to his former side.

After the full-time whistle, Howe piled praise on Barnes and suggested that he is forming a solid connection with makeshift left-back Tino Livramento.

As quoted by the Northern Echo, Howe said: “Harvey has done really well. I think, naturally, he’s got better with games, like every player does.

“He’s got more confident, and it was important he scored tonight because he is a goalscorer and he needs to contribute in that way, being such an attacking player that he is.

“He also played his part in the first goal, which I loved, with a really good decision. He’s built a good relationship up with Tino alongside him, and I was really pleased with that part of the pitch. I thought he defended well as well, and that can never be underestimated.”

Harvey Barnes is ready to go head-to-head with Anthony Gordon

It has been a great few weeks for Barnes, with the Newcastle winger taking full advantage of Gordon’s absence through suspension and injury.

He started and shined in the Carabao Cup final and is now beginning to flourish in this Newcastle side.

Barnes took his opportunity as a starter, and now it’s hard to argue that he should be immediately dropped once Gordon returns to action.

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Howe confirmed that Gordon is yet to resume training, so he is a doubt for the upcoming Manchester United clash. If Barnes puts on another strong performance at St James’ Park then he could end the season as Newcastle’s first-choice striker.

But with Newcastle returning to Europe, a big squad will be needed next season and Barnes has proven that he is more than capable of challenging Gordon for his spot.