Could Harvey Barnes have put himself in the frame to start on the right against Fulham?
Harvey Barnes of Newcastle United celebrates against Benfica
View Image
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe says his team have now raised the bar for their own performance standards after dismantling Benfica.
The Magpies conjured up 19 goal attempts against the Portuguese side last night with 10 efforts on target and in the end Jose Mourinho's side got off lightly. But for Newcastle, it is now full steam ahead in the Champions League with Athletic Bilbao up next and the chance to cement at least a play-off place.
For Howe, his more immediate thoughts quickly switch to Fulham on Saturday as the Magpies look to get their Premier League form back on track. When asked if the level of performance against Benfica was now the standard bearer, Howe told Chronicle Live: "I think Benfica it is that kind of game, that we have to take forward to our next few games that we’ve got coming up.
"That’s the level that we have to be at. I thought we’ve been threatening to put a performance like that together.
"Even at Brighton, there were some really positive moments, but that gets lost in the result.
"Against Benfica, we got both. We got another clean sheet, and we scored some goals. Confidence returned to our attacking players, so it’s a great night for us."
It was an evening in which Anthony Gordon came alive with a sparkling display with a goal and assist against the Liga Portugal team. But if Gordon served up a man-of-the-match display, Harvey Barnes - who netted twice from the bench - also did his case no harm ahead of Fulham.
When asked if Barnes had responded in the perfect way to impress Howe, the Toon boss said: "That’s what he [Barnes] needs to do, that’s what every player needs to do when they’re on the pitch.
"They need to deliver. Harvey has always been a goalscorer for us.
"I was pleased to see him score off the right today because he’s actually played some good minutes for us on that side of the pitch. He’s played really well there.
"He hasn’t quite got the goals that he’s got on the left, but today it was two really good finishes. It was a reminder of his qualities."
But there was no doubt what Howe wants next from his troops. He said: "The Premier League now takes importance. The Champions League, we’re sort of getting into the habit of dipping in and out, as you do.
"But it’s gone. This moment is a great moment and I want the players to enjoy it, but he focus has to be very fully on Fulham. We’ll come back to the competition."