Eddie Howe, manager of Newcastle United, took a chance against Manchester City on Wednesday night, and it paid off.
The manager made ten changes to the team that defeated Sheffield United 8-0 the previous Saturday, with Nick Pope the only player who remained in the lineup.
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle team was a shambles, with so many peripheral players getting a chance. Both Jamaal Lascelles and Paul Dummett made their first starts of the season, while Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall, and Lewis Miley made their first appearances for the Toon.
Howe took a gamble, but the men he threw into the fray delivered big time. Dummett was fantastic, and Livramento was voted Player Of The Match for his efforts.
The team selection adds to the shock of the win over Manchester City, and Toon icon Alan Shearer has revealed that he was ‘a little bit apprehensive’ when the lineup was unveiled.
Alan Shearer was ‘worried’ about Newcastle’s starting lineup against Manchester City.
Shearer discussed Newcastle United’s starting lineup versus Manchester City on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, admitting that he was nervous before kickoff.
“Eddie made 10 changes from the team that put eight past Sheffield United at the weekend,” he said.
“We were concerned because many of the players hadn’t played in a while.” But I thought they were absolutely fantastic, especially in the 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 in the second half, he made a number of substitutions, taking a couple of the youngsters off and bringing in Bruno and Gordon. Man City couldn’t handle the intensity and pressure.”
Newcastle demonstrates depth.
The majority of Toon fans agreed with Shearer. There was some apprehension before kickoff, particularly when looking at the defense.
While Lascelles and Dummett are experienced professionals, their lack of match fitness may have been detrimental.
That was not the case, and Newcastle went on to win a legendary match.
Eddie Howe’s half-time substitutions were critical, as he deployed his squad to great advantage against the European champions.
In that regard, Howe had a fantastic night. He was able to offer some peripheral players minutes while they shown their worth if needed.