Sean Longstaff extends incredible Newcastle record after beating Chelsea, Eddie Howe has been left with no choice

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Eddie Howe got his starting lineup spot on as Newcastle United beat Chelsea 2-0 in the Carabao Cup.

There were five changes made to the side that lost 2-1 to Chelsea in the Premier League over the weekend, including a return for Anthony Gordon after his thigh injury.

Eddie Howe made some brave decisions, with Gordon starting on the right while Joelinton played out wide and Joe Willock was given freedom to roam.

Howe also experimented with Sandro Tonali, dropping the Italian into a deeper midfield role where he thrived. Alongside Tonali, Howe recalled Sean Longstaff to the starting lineup.

It was Longstaff’s first start since the last Carabao Cup match against AFC Wimbledon, and the 27-year-old sent an emphatic message to Howe with his midfield display.

Sean Longstaff extends incredible Newcastle record

What a week for Longstaff. The Newcastle academy graduate celebrated his birthday on Wednesday and reports have also claimed that Newcastle have extended Longstaff’s contract.

Longstaff has entered the final year of his contract at St James’ Park but it has been claimed that Newcastle do not want to lose him as he is seen as a key player in Howe’s squad.

He showed exactly why that is the case against Chelsea. Longstaff covered almost every blade of grass against the Blues and was pivotal in Newcastle’s high press.

With Newcastle picking up a win against Chelsea, it has extended Longstaff’s remarkable record as a starter.

Newcastle are unbeaten in the last six games that Longstaff has started, with five wins and only one draw against Bournemouth during that time.

Eddie Howe has no choice but to start Sean Longstaff

The midfield trio of Joelinton, Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes might be more glamorous on paper, but it simply hasn’t clicked in recent weeks.

Longstaff’s work in midfield often flies under the radar, but his record speaks for itself.

He allows the more technical players in the team to shine, and that in itself is a very valuable quality.

Howe is aware that Longstaff does not suit a substitute role, and that his best performances come as a starter.

Central midfield is Newcastle’s strongest position and Howe now has plenty of options to pick from game to game. It is a headache, but a good one to have.

When Newcastle return to action against Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday, expect Longstaff to be involved again.