There was one hidden positive from Newcastle’s ‘unacceptable’ defeat to Man City

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Newcastle United do not have many reasons to be positive after their 4-0 defeat to Manchester City.

It was a terrible performance from the Magpies, who extended their awful record at the Etihad Stadium. Alan Shearer said Newcastle’s display was ‘unacceptable’, which is a fair assessment of what was a brutal afternoon in Manchester.

Newcastle United’s major stars did not deliver. In fact, none of the Newcastle United starting XI delivered.

The only player to come out of the game with any real credit is Lewis Miley, who came on at half-time to replace Joe Willock. Howe praised Miley’s performance, but could not do the same for many of his teammates.

• READ MORE: Who is Lewis Miley? Age, Height, Position, Salary, School, Brothers

Lewis Miley was not the only Newcastle United positive to come out of Manchester City loss

Miley’s performance in the second half was certainly worth celebrating, while there was one more reason to be positive on the back of what was a horrendous display.

It was great to see Harvey Barnes back from injury on Saturday.

He was a surprise inclusion on the Newcastle United bench, having missed the previous six games with a thigh injury.

Howe is happy to have Barnes back, and it comes at a time when the Magpies have been screaming out for attacking reinforcements.

• READ MORE: Who is Harvey Barnes? Profile, Girlfriend, Dad, Salary, Socials

Why Harvey Barnes’ return is so important for Newcastle United

Ever since Miguel Almiron left Newcastle United, Eddie Howe has had no real depth out wide. He has had to rely on Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy, while Joe Willock and William Osula started there in the FA Cup.

The Newcastle United manager has not had the luxury of being able to change the game in an attacking sense, but now Barnes is back.

It means Gordon and Murphy have competition. While they will remain first choice starters, they are not necessarily guaranteed a place in the lineup. Barnes represents an alternative, which is exactly what Howe has been missing in recent weeks.

With Barnes available once again, as well as Callum Wilson, Newcastle suddenly have options in attack. That is vital, especially with the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool looming.

As Newcastle aim to end their trophy drought, Howe needs all the help he can get. Barnes can provide that help, having scored plenty of crucial goals during his short Toon career.