A win! Away from home! In the Premier League!
Also, a complete performance from start to finish, and four goals scored to Everton’s tiny little one. How did we do it? Is everything going to be OK now?
I do not know exactly how we did it because there will probably be complex psychological reasons as well as subtle tactical tweaks, work done in training etc. But what I will say is that this was a day for the two Lewises – Hall and Miley – a 21-year-old and a 19-year-old respectively, who are quickly showing themselves to be the future of Newcastle United.
It is true that our visit to Hill Dickinson Stadium was not won in the midfield and so you may wonder how it is that Miley could have had such a positive impact on the game. Here is one way: a minute in, he delivered a corner so perfect that it provided an assist for the fastest goal scored this season.
Here’s another: 24 minutes later, he did what Newcastle United have been unable to do thus far this season and doubled the lead. Yes, it hilariously went through Jordan Pickford’s legs, but the decision-making and audacity to even attempt the shot suggest an exciting confidence building in Miley.
Then to Hall. Oh, I’m going to run out of words, aren’t I? Since returning to the side, Hall has changed the way we play. We can now be in a much more advanced position up the pitch (helped also by Livramento on the right) and he too, contributed to our set-piece success by setting up Malick Thiaw for our fourth goal.
I am encouraged by the versatility of the younger players in our squad, particularly after the weekend. We have got a busy December, but we are showing that we can rotate and respond to the opposition.
I am just hopeful it is the beginning of an Eddie Howe run of wins.
Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external
