Newcastle United have a forward line capable of outperforming Manchester United and West Ham United in terms of European qualification.
Thirty-one games into the Premier League season, Newcastle United were finally allowed to unleash their £146 million offensive.
Eddie Howe had not yet named Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, or Harvey Barnes to the same starting XI before last Saturday’s Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park. The game ended 4-0, with goals from Isak and Gordon, as well as a spirited performance from Barnes.
Simply put, United have a strong forward line capable of taking them to Europe.
Gordon, without a doubt Newcastle’s player of the season, has primarily played on the left side of the attack, but you have to question whether Eddie Howe’s idea in signing Barnes was to switch the flexible Scouser to the right.
Many thought the right wing position needed to be strengthened last summer, despite Miguel Almiron’s purple patch in front of goal. However, six months after signing Gordon for £45 million, Howe reinforced the left side once again by paying £38 million to buy Barnes.
Barnes, a frequent goal scorer for Leicester City, scored on his debut against Aston Villa, but he had hardly gotten started when a foot injury sustained during an 8-0 win against Sheffield United in September sidelined him for five months.
The 26-year-old’s return in early February, which included a goal in a 4-4 draw against Luton Town, coincided with Isak’s most recent injury stay. Barnes suffered a small hamstring injury just as the Swede was getting up to full throttle.
At that point, it appeared that the trio’s chances of performing together this semester were dwindling. However, since returning from the March international break, the prospect has grown, with Tottenham on the receiving end.
Isak, Gordon, and Barnes made their first appearances in a 4-3 comeback win over West Ham, with the latter scoring twice as a substitute. Isak also scored a brace, but Gordon’s late second yellow card kept him out of the match against Everton three days later, which finished 1-1.
Around came Fulham, and Barnes returned to the bench for a short succession of games, but his introduction proved decisive, playing a key role in Bruno Guimaraes’ 81-minute winner. After watching 35 minutes of Isak-Gordon-Barnes at Craven Cottage, Howe unleashed the trio from the start against Spurs, and the outcome spoke for itself.
Of course, the connection will not have reached its full potential just yet, but the promise is there. Barnes’ goals against West Ham were set up by Isak and Gordon, and Barnes helped Isak against Everton. Then, all you have to do is go back to Saturday to see when Isak and Gordon last met, which has become a regular occurrence.
All three players bring something unique to the table, and when they combine their strengths, it can be devastating. Whether it’s Isak’s Thierry Henry-like qualities, Gordon’s determination, or Barnes’ cultured right foot, Newcastle have a forward line capable of beating Manchester United and West Ham United to European qualification.
