Newcastle United were far from their best against Fulham on Saturday but, crucially, recorded a victory.
Indeed, a late Bruno Guimaraes goal saw Newcastle United beat Fulham 2-1 in the Premier League to round off a brilliant week for Eddie Howe.
While it has been a difficult start to the domestic campaign for Newcastle, hopefully the energy created by a late victory can help raise morale.
Having beaten Benfica on Tuesday, it was vitally important that Howe’s side built on that at St James’ Park on Saturday. It wasn’t a vintage performance but three points are really all that matter given the situation.
Here are five things Geordie Boot Boys learned.
Anthony Elanga discovers the Newcastle United way
Prior to the game, Howe claimed that Anthony Elanga needed more time to adapt to life at Newcastle.
The Sweden winger came on in the 76th minute and was heavily involved as Howe’s side pushed for a late winner. The Newcastle United manager demands intensity and that’s what he got from the winger.
To say that not everything came off for him would be an understatement. There were far too many misplaced passes but, to his credit, Elanga refused to cower in something of a defiant response to his own mistakes. He constantly got on the ball and saw a shot cleared in desperate fashion by Fulham after a Harvey Barnes cross.
Elanga was also crucially involved in the winning goal, too. William Osula will take many of the plaudits for his role in it, but it was Elanga who initially helped win the ball back in a dangerous area and that should not be forgotten.
Malick Thiaw looks like Newcastle United’s biggest bargain in years
Malick Thiaw put in another very strong display. Howe was full of praise for Thiaw, who is making a mockery of the reported £30million fee Newcastle initially paid for him.
Whereas Sven Botman had perhaps his worst game yet this season, Thiaw remained as composed as ever. He was everywhere as Newcastle pushed for a winner, denying Fulham the time and space upon which to launch a late counter.
Another fine showing from a player who is making the Marc Guehi saga back in 2024 seem a very distant thing of the past.
Jacob Murphy does not need Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak is struggling without Jacob Murphy, but Jacob Murphy is not struggling without Alexander Isak.
While it is true that the winger should have scored a second goal after his brilliant first, the sheer quality of his first strike cannot be overlooked.
His pressing won the ball back from Calvin Bassey and, even when he was in a good position, he still had an awful lot to do to beat Bernd Leno from a difficult angle.
From a creator on Tuesday to a scorer and creator on Saturday, Murphy has shown little sign of slowing down.
Fabian Schar offers Eddie Howe food for thought
Fabian Schar replaced the struggling Botman after the Dutch defender took a knock to the head.
Schar has previously been a key player in the Newcastle defensive line but lost his place in the starting XI after Botman and Thiaw impressed.
Still, the Swiss international was solid when called upon. In recent weeks, it’s seemed as if the Botman and Thiaw partnership is Newcastle’s future. Still, Schar’s performance proved that there’s still life in him yet.
After the game, Howe told reporters at his post-match press conference: “I thought it was important for Fabby to come on and do well, because it’s been a difficult moment for him.
“He’s been an ever-present near enough since I’ve been here. Obviously, the challenge is greater this season with the arrival of Malick and Sven’s form and Dan’s form.
“For all the defenders to step up and to play is not easy with the group that we have. So I’m delighted with how he played today and that will do him the world of good.”
Eddie Howe will be pleased with PIF U-turn over William Osula
PIF blocked Osula’s move away from Newcastle on deadline day and that increasingly looks like an inspired decision.
The forward helped change the game for the Magpies, using his energy and speed to help force a late winner.
Had Osula been allowed to depart, Newcastle would have had to start the season with only Nick Woltemade up front given Yoane Wissa’s injury.
Though he remains a raw talent, he’s clearly capable of making an impact. Expecting him to do that in every game feels unwise but Howe must be pleased he at least has that option in reserve, given how close he came to leaving.
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