It was another big win for Newcastle United over the weekend, making it two cup victories in the space of four days as we overcame a a feisty Birmingham City at St Andrews.
It puts us in the hat for tonight’s fifth round draw shortly after 7pm on BBC One and the competition could really open up now Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs have all been knocked out.
With us still in the race for a top-four finish, into the Carabao Cup final and the last 16 of the FA Cup, this could really be a season to remember for Newcastle, who have now won 12 of our last 14 games.
Howe hails two standout performers
Following Saturday’s 3-2 win, Eddie Howe was quick to praise two ‘massive players’ in particular – Joe Willock and Will Osula.
With Anthony Gordon (quad) ruled out and Jacob Murphy handed a rest, we saw the pair start either side of Callum Wilson and they made a huge impact.
Howe hailed Osula’s “pace, strength and directness”, discussed his ability to play in different positions and his ability to score goals, despite having plenty of ‘rough edges’ to his game.
“I thought Will was a real outlet for us,” Howe said on Osula. “His pace, strength and directness were key for us in that first half, finding our way back into the game.
“He’s still got some areas of his game that need development, but he’s certainly moving in the right direction and I thought he was unlucky not to score.
“I think he can play any of the front three positions. I think anything that showcases his pace, I think that’s his best asset. You saw that with his direct running.
“I think he’s got goals in him, I think he’s a natural goal scorer. There’s a few rough edges we need to improve, keep working and developing him, but he’s a massive player for us now.”
As for Willock, Howe has delighted to see our previously out-of-sorts midfielder shine on the left, feeling this is a “big moment in his season and a reminder of his quality after two goals and a man of the match display.
“Really pleased for him,” Howe said. “We really want to see Joe at his best, It’s been a stop-start season for him, but this is a big moment.”
“He’s always been a goalscorer for us and a goal creator. I thought he did really well. I think he’s got the running capacity to play in that position (on the left). It’s different to playing infield, but he’s got the pace to take players on and engage in those one-on-one actions.
“He’s a massive player with real legs in midfield and has a creative eye. I was pleased he took his two goals, especially the second one.”
Neave rewarded by Howe
17-year-old Geordie Sean Neave was rewarded with his first call-up to the senior side on Saturday night, taking his place on the bench in Birmingham.
The striker has seven goals and two assists in seven appearances in the Premier League’s U18 league this season, also scoring one and creating another on his only start for the U21s.
Speaking after the game, Howe explained why the teenager got his chance, praising his “eye for goal” and ability to play in several positions.
“He’s a player we like with really good attributes,” Howe said on Neave. “He can play a few positions and has got an eye for goal – you can see in training he always seems to pop up with the ability to score.”
We just about scraped through against a very “ robust” Birmingham City side on Saturday. Two things I’d like to mention,first thing was how well young Osula played.Up until Saturday I have to confess I thought we’d bought a bit of a dud,but the lad showed a lot of promise,especially when playing wide right. Second thing was I have to accept that Joe Willock played well,but IMO he still isn’t good enough to play regularly for a top level team. I appreciate his qualities when we have possession but defensively he’s a liability. Having said that nobody should have to put up with the online abuse he was subjected to after the Fulham game. There is a line and some of our supposed supporters definitely crossed it.
Tommy Tantrum(Quote)
Tommy I would say our starting 11 is one or two players away from where we need it to be. Unfortunately if we are playing in Europe we need someone to rotate of a decent quality in every position. Currently I would argue that we are well short in that area and some of those that we do have are reaching the end of their careers or injury prone. Bunce has done a good job though. I would argue that Willock is certainly good enough to rotate into the team, and hopefully has a long term future with us.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Tommy – I agree. I’m still not completely convinced about Osula as a CF – but he looked very decent as a RWF to be fair. Thinking on his goal in the previous round – he cut in from the right there too.
Maybe has Joelinton mark 2 – bought as a forward only to convert & shine in a different position.
Could he be the answer?.
I also agree with everything you say on Willock. But to be clear – I’m not sure there are many midfielders in the league that I would swap for our trio. Don’t get me wrong – there are good midfielders out there, but our 3 play with such good understanding & unity it would be hard to disrupt that.
I’d keep Willock & Miley – Longstaff can be sold. I don’t dislike the lad, but he offfered so little against Birmingham and the fact he’s 100% profit – I’d sell him & get a young no.6 in to deputise Tonali.
Sharpy17(Quote)
This will probably cause some split opinions, but I would honestly sell Jolinton think he’s to much of a liability at times there’s better midfielders out there
Darren Bebb(Quote)
As for young Sean Neave – I believe he’s from a little village called Winlaton – the same village I was born & raised in. Sadly I’m 30yrs his senior, but I will be watching his career with great interest.
It’s going to be hard to break into his Newcastle team – but we are made of tough stuff in the asylum on the hill, so I will keep rooting for him.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Darren – I understand why you say it mate, and agree in part. He needs to focus on his game & cut the nonsense out – all the stupid yellow cards.
When he’s on his game he’s unplayable – but it’s not often enough.
I think he offers a good balance with Bruno & Tonali and maybe we have to remember it’s only been 4 or 5 seasons (if that) as a midfielder – and he’s certainly in the best company right now.
Can’t fault his workrate though. The kid is definitely a grafter, and has 100% bought into NUFC.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy17 get the point about he gives the midfield balance, he just gives the ball away to much for me and gets caught in possession bit to often eg Bournemouth away which cost us and let’s all be honest Longstaff would never get away with it
Darren Bebb(Quote)