Manager Eddie Howe has been praised for his work in helping two Newcastle players rediscover their form during his tenure at St James’ Park.
The 44-year-old orchestrated a nine-game unbeaten league run, which included six wins, prior to their three latest defeats. As a result the Magpies are now tipped to beat the drop, currently sitting nine points above the relegation zone.
However, Howe will know the job is far from done with eight games of the campaign left to go. Nevertheless, former Arsenal Invincible title-winning defender Martin Keown has praised the work he has done on Tyneside since his arrival in November.
READ MORE: Newcastle United note book: Howe's big summer hint, Barca join chase for target and contract latest
Writing in his Daily Mail column, he said: “Eddie Howe has done an excellent job at Newcastle. This was a team that had to wait until December 4 to secure a win. But Howe has turned them around, making defining decisions that have taken them on a path towards Premier League safety.”
Keown praised the way Howe has managed to get Newcastle to a place where they are not hinging their hopes on Allan Saint-Maximin and how he has instead brought the best out of other players, with two in particular looking “rejuvenated”. He added: “Kieran Trippier was a big loss to his plan.
“But he’s now getting all of his signings into his XI. Dan Burn is regularly partnering Fabian Schar, while captain Jamaal Lascelles finds himself out of the starting XI.
“Howe has got Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes and Matt Targett all into his side, while he has rejuvenated Joe Willock and Ryan Fraser. Newcastle aren’t so reliant on Allan Saint-Maximin these days. He hasn’t started a game since February 13 after injury issues, though they are better with him in the team.”
Willock has not quite reached his goal scoring feats of last season when he scored in each of his last seven Premier League games to help Newcastle to survival His two goals in February are all that he has to show in 24 outings but his role in central midfield has been influential on his side's uptick in form in 2022.
Fraser also has two goals, as well as three assists, in his 25 matches but has lost just one of the last ten Premier League fixtures he's started. His versatility to play on the right or the left has proved useful to Howe.
Pick up tomorrow's Daily Mirror and get a FREE £2 Shop Bet with William Hill which can be used on any of the sport action! 18+. Terms apply. See tomorrow's paper for your voucher. Full details here.
