Newcastle United defeated Benfica 3-0 in the Champions League with Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon grabbing the goals, but one player was just as good, says Steve Sidwell.
It was a brilliant night at St. James’ Park for Newcastle United, who took their Champions League earnings for the season past the £20m mark with their second win of the campaign.
Eddie Howe’s side battled hard to defeat Benfica 3-0 and climb up to 7th in the European table.
Anthony Gordon got the ball rolling with a far post tap-in, but only after Nick Pope had made some big saves.
The goalkeeper turned creator in the second half, with his huge 65-yard throw allowing Harvey Barnes to race through on goal and finish ‘like Harry Kane.’
Barnes grabbed a second to complete a beautiful passing move and round out the scoring.
Jose Mourinho praised Gordon after the game and Howe was delighted to see his forwards play with confidence, but Steve Sidwell also moved to praise Joelinton for his performance.
Joelinton applauds Newcastle fans.
Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images
Steve Sidwell praises Joelinton for helping change the game vs Benfica
Speaking on Sky Sports News following full-time, Sidwell gave his impression of the game and praised Howe’s substitutions of Barnes and Joelinton for securing the three points.
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“Every goal was absolutely sensational,” he said. “Especially in the wide areas, they attack with pace and, when they do, it’s so hard to defend.
“At the start, they probably just edged it on the chances. Benfica had some great chances, Lukebakio hit the outside of the post and then another chance where Pope saved it really well.
“The change of the game comes from the two substitutions, Barnes and Joelinton, when they come on for Ramsey and Murphy. They changed the game.
“A bit of impetus in midfield, a bit of spark to the game. The two goals after that from Barnes were absolutely electric, the second one from Nick Pope, long throw, and Barnes has taken it away, lovely finish.
“The third goal was sublime. The football, interactive passing from Gordon, Woltemade, and Barnes, finished it off.
“Gordon was absolutely sensational tonight. Got presented with the Player of the Match trophy. Fully, fully deserved.”
Joelinton and Jacob Ramsey are competing for a spot in the side
For so long, Howe has had a settled midfield three, but now he’s got some big decisions to make on who his regular trio is.
Lewis Miley put in an assured performance in place of Sandro Tonali, while Jacob Ramsey finally made his full debut after replacing Joelinton in the side.
It was a quiet display from Ramsey, understandable given his injury troubles and lack of full fitness, but there were glimpses of the guile and ingenuity he can bring to the side.
There was also the first green shoots of an interesting dynamic between him and Gordon, with Ramsey going out to the left when the winger drifted inside.
Yet, Joelinton’s physical presence and urgency in the middle helped give Newcastle the boost they needed to get the win over the line.
Joelinton lost his spot in the starting XI, but his 17-touch cameo with a 100% pass success rate may have earned it right back again.
With injuries and fatigue destined to have an impact, the options available are a massive benefit to the manager.