How Newcastle really feel about their £39m star with ‘incredible’ record

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Newcastle United’s season continues to be marred by inconsistency.

Only days after Eddie Howe lamented how little his team have been able to show their elite capabilities following a big win over high-flying Aston Villa, Newcastle conceded four goals at home to Luton.

While the manner of the comeback from two goals down was thrilling, it should not mask the defensive problems clearly impacting Newcastle this season.

Already, they’ve conceded as many goals at home thus far than they did in the entirety of last season (14, via WhoScored). The last three teams to visit St James’ Park have all scored at least three goals.

Still, that’s not to say Saturday was all bad. Indeed, the return of Harvey Barnes was promising.

The £39m star scored a fine equaliser on his return from a foot injury and some insight into how Newcastle view him behind the scenes has now emerged.

Harvey Barnes: How Newcastle really feel about £39m star

According to The Chronicle, there is a belief behind the scenes that Newcastle have signed one of the Premier League’s best wide forwards.

Speaking of the winger, Howe said: “He is a goalscorer. His record last year at Leicester was incredible and we hoped, of course, that he would come here and bring goals to us.”

Harvy Barnes: Thrown in at the deep end for Newcastle after injury

In any normal season, Barnes would be eased back into the first-team given just how long he’s been out.

Still, with Anthony Gordon picking up an injury on Saturday and duly leaving the ground on crutches, perhaps Howe will not be afforded that luxury as the injury crisis shows little sign of relenting.

Newcastle may have to rely on Barnes going forward now. Hopefully, he can continue to do the business and prove the club right in their confidence about his ability.