“One of the Best Finishers I’ve Seen” – Eddie Howe Faces Huge Newcastle United Decision Ahead of Fulham Clash | OneFootball

Harvey Barnes, Anthony Gordon, and Newcastle’s Left-Wing Conundrum

The ongoing tactical discussions around Newcastle United’s left flank have surged with intrigue, especially since Harvey Barnes’ move from Leicester City in July 2023. An analysis rooted in the detailed observation by Chris Waugh for The Athletic underscores a significant reshaping of Newcastle’s attacking dynamics.

Barnes’ Promising Start and Tactical Dilemmas

Harvey Barnes, noted for his ability to turn games from the left wing, was a key target for Eddie Howe, leading to a £38 million transfer funded by the sale of Allan Saint-Maximin. Despite differing in flair and creativity from Saint-Maximin, Barnes promises a more consistent goal threat, essential in Howe’s tactical framework. Over his last two full Premier League seasons with Leicester, Barnes was involved in 30 goals, significantly outperforming Saint-Maximin in terms of goal-scoring.

Photo IMAGO

Eddie Howe’s admiration is evident as he remarked after Barnes’ winner against Wolverhampton Wanderers, calling him “one of the best finishing wingers I’ve seen.” His stats back this up, with Barnes ranking impressively among Europe’s top wingers for non-penalty goals per 90 minutes, outperforming several high-profile names.

Selection Quandaries and Gordon’s Rise

The narrative becomes more complex with Anthony Gordon’s parallel rise. Gordon, having established himself as a key player during Barnes’ injury spells, presents Howe with a pleasant yet challenging selection dilemma. Gordon’s work rate and defensive contributions complement his attacking prowess, making him indispensable on the left wing.

Despite Barnes’ proven goal-scoring ability, Howe’s selection has often favoured Gordon, particularly for tactical matchups, reflecting a careful balancing act between maintaining defensive solidity and enhancing offensive output. This strategy was evident when Jacob Murphy replaced Barnes in the lineup after the international break for what Howe described as “tactical reasons.”

Statistical Backing and Future Prospects

Statistically, both players offer compelling cases. Barnes boasts a goal every 136 minutes and a goal contribution every 86.5 minutes for Newcastle, highlighting his efficiency. Meanwhile, Gordon’s role as a first-choice attacker for England and his impressive goal contribution ratio further complicate Howe’s decisions.

Looking ahead, the challenge remains how to best utilize both talents, possibly by deploying them on opposite wings, although Howe has historically hesitated to use Barnes on the right. This ongoing tactical evolution at Newcastle underscores the intricate decision-making involved in modern football management.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Newcastle supporter, the situation with Barnes and Gordon is electrifying. The thought of both players terrorizing defences from each flank is tantalizing. Barnes’ ability to finish clinically should surely earn him more starts, despite the strategic use of him as a super sub, evidenced by his remarkable stats off the bench.

Gordon’s recent designation as England’s preferred left-winger only adds to the excitement. His commitment to playing anywhere to help the team is exactly the attitude we need. Yet, it’s Barnes’ directness and finishing that might be the key to unlocking sturdier defences, especially with some matches at St. James’ Park needing that bit of individual brilliance.

The possibility of them both starting, with Barnes potentially adapting to a right-wing role to accommodate Gordon on the left, is a thrilling prospect. It could provide the perfect blend of creativity, pace, and goal threat that could elevate Newcastle’s attacking game to the next level.

In essence, while the selection dilemma might pose headaches for Howe, for fans it spells a season of potential and high hopes. The prospect of seeing Barnes and Gordon develop a dynamic partnership on the field is a plotline every Newcastle fan will follow keenly.