NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe gestures during the Newcastle United Training Session at the Newcastle United Training Centre on February 14, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Following his side’s 2-1 win away to Wolves, Eddie Howe has addressed the tactical and lineup changes he made to Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.
Fans were clamouring for Sandro Tonali to make his long-awaited return to the starting XI, but the gaffer opted once again for Sean Longstaff.
Harvey Barnes and Lloyd Kelly were also dropped in favour of Jacob Murphy and Lewis Hall, and many will argue that Barnes had more than warranted his place off the subs bench after the opening goal against Spurs and assist against Bournemouth.
“We had a few players that were disappointed not to start. We made changes to the team against Tottenham but they were tactical.” said Howe after the game.
“Lloyd Kelly came out, Emil Krafth comes out and Harvey Barnes came out and they all played well against Tottenham. But every game is different and I have to find a way, the best way I can to win the next game.”
After a frustrating first half at Molineux, where we started well but ultimately went into the break 1-0 behind, Howe made the radical choice for three substitutions to try and change the game, with Longstaff, the hurt Alexander Isak, and the carded Joelinton making way for Tonali, Barnes and Joe Willock.
And it was indeed the subs who helped change the game in our favour, with Tonali and Willock’s energy in midfield, coupled with Barnes’ long range winner, helping Newcastle continue their unbeaten start to the campaign.
“I though the three subs played well and I was really pleased with Sandro, pleased with Harvey and his finishes which were incredible and Joe Willock did really well.”
“I was pleased with their attitude when entering the pitch. The ability of the players is never questioned but they made a positive impact for us.”
And addressing the half time subs, Howe commented “I just felt we needed a different energy in the team. It is reflected in the quality of players we have waiting to play.”
Coming up next is a pair of away days for Newcastle in the coming weeks, with a trip to Craven Cottage to play Fulham and then a tie away to Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup.
