Newcastle United cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Leicester City on Monday evening.
It was important for Newcastle United to keep pace in the race for Champions League qualification and they did exactly that at the King Power Stadium.
Jacob Murphy scored a quickfire double, giving Newcastle a two-goal lead in the opening 11 minutes.
Harvey Barnes was cheered by Leicester fans, and he celebrated the trip to his former club by scoring Newcastle’s third.
Newcastle certainly took their foot off the gas in the second half as they secured an important three points, but Eddie Howe may regret not using this opportunity to put his faith in youth.
Eddie Howe should have handed Sean Neave his debut
With Newcastle three goals up and cruising in the second half, fans believe Alexander Isak should have been rested ahead of a crucial Premier League run-in.
The Swedish star was eventually replaced by Callum Wilson in the 73rd minute, but with Isak an injury doubt before the game, it was baffling to see him play so long.
Howe did give well-deserved minutes to William Osula and Wilson, but with such little pressure on the team, it was a golden opportunity to test Sean Neave.
Neave has impressed Howe in training since being promoted to the first team, but the 17-year-old striker is still yet to make his senior debut.
At Under-21 level, Neave has dominated in Newcastle’s academy and a breakthrough appears imminent. Which is why it was confusing to see Howe not experiment with the teenager against Leicester where there would have been no pressure or risk of throwing away three points.
Sean Neave could save Newcastle United millions this summer
With a busy summer expected for Newcastle and sporting director Paul Mitchell, reports suggest Newcastle want to sign a striker as one of three major arrivals.
That is because Wilson faces an uncertain future, and if he does depart it leaves Howe with just Osula and Isak as striker options.
However, Neave could save Newcastle millions if he is given the chance to prove that he can be a regular first-teamer next season.
Neave received a Carabao Cup medal after making the bench in the final earlier this month, so Howe clearly believes in his talent. It seemed like a perfect opportunity to finally get a taste of first-team football on Monday.
Now, Howe will have to assess Neave over the summer pre-season before deciding whether or not to invest in a new striker. If a new forward is brought in it will only slow Neave’s pathway to the first team.
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