Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe took a risk against Manchester City on Wednesday night, and it paid off.
The Toon boss made 10 changes to the side that had beaten Sheffield United 8-0 at the weekend, with Nick Pope the only player to retain his place in the team.
It was a very makeshift Newcastle side, with so many fringe players receiving an opportunity from Eddie Howe. Both Jamaal Lascelles and Paul Dummett started for the first time this season, while Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall and Lewis Miley received their first ever Toon starts.
It was a risk by Howe, but the players he thrust into the action massively delivered. Dummett was outstanding, while Livramento was named the Player Of The Match because of how well he did.
The team selection makes the win over Manchester City all the more shocking, and now Toon legend Alan Shearer has admitted that he was ‘a little bit concerned’ when the team was announced.
Alan Shearer was ‘concerned’ about the Newcastle XI against Man City
Shearer has spoke about the Newcastle United starting XI against Manchester City on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, and admitted that he was slightly worried before kickoff.
“Eddie made 10 changes from the team that put eight past Sheffield United at the weekend,” he said.
“We were a little bit concerned because a lot of the players hadn’t played for a while. But I just thought they were absolutely superb, particularly second half.
“Man City were all over Newcastle first half, they couldn’t get near them – albeit, Newcastle probably had the best chance with a minute to go before the break, Jacob Murphy.
“But second half he made a couple of changes, took a couple of the youngsters off and brought Bruno and Gordon on. Man City couldn’t live with the intensity and the pressure.”
Newcastle show strength in depth
Shearer’s views were shared by most Toon fans. There was a little bit of concern before kickoff, especially when looking at the defence.
While Lascelles and Dummett are experienced pros, their lack of match fitness really could have hindered them.
However, that was not the case, and Newcastle went on to record a famous victory.
The changes Eddie Howe made at half time were crucial, as he used his squad to great effect against the European champions.
In that respect, it was a perfect night for Howe. He was able to give some fringe players minutes, while they proved that they can be relied on if necessary.
