The Magpies ran out undisputed winners against Jose Mourinho's Benfica with another strong European competition performance from Anthony Gordon
Jose Mourinho and Eddie Howe
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Newcastle United kept up a promising start to their Champions League campaign with a thorough win over Jose Mourinho's Benfica at St James' Park - and some fans in the Chronicle Live comments section are full of praise for a handful of key figures in the mid-week morale-boosting victory.
Howe made three changes to the squad that fell to defeat at the weekend, bringing in Jacob Murphy for a struggling Anthony Elanga, and Lewis Miley and Jacob Ramsey replacing Sandro Tonali and Joelinton. The Magpies weathered early aggression from their Portuguese opponents, before Anthony Gordon scored from a pinpoint Murphy cross.
Harvey Barnes showed off his super-sub chops by latching on to a Nick Pope long throw to score, and Gordon set up a second for him late on. Mourinho went onto the pitch after the final whistle to seek out and congratulate Gordon for a five-star performance.
The night was just the tonic that some fans needed after the weekend. Reader DurbanSkyslot says: "Another of those special nights under the lights at St James' Park. This wasn't the Benfica of old but you can only beat what's put in front of you.
"Newcastle did what they had to do seeing out the game in a professional manner. That throw out from Pope was something else with a great finish from Barnes. Lots of good performances tonight and I hope this can kickstart us this season because we have to start picking up points in the league which is the bread and butter."
Commenter Fartoon writes: "Really special seeing the boys put up a performance like that, one we have not seen in a while. Well done Eddie, the changes were on the ball. Let's hope we can carry this on in the league against Fulham? The constant pressure on the opposition is for me the jewel in the crown. Well played lads."
Terryparker says: "Great result, each win is money in the bank to keep building. Eddie always gets a reaction after a disappointment. Howay the lads."
Tony1971 writes: "We are doing not too well in the Premier League especially away from home, but in the Champions League this season we have made both of our last opponents look very poor. Job done, I hope it does kickstart our league campaign, but we said that after the Union SG 4-0 victory too. Fingers crossed lads and lasses."
Petrus says they could've won by a wider margin: "Justice done, a fine performance after a dismal Brighton outing, whilst 2 pens were not given by a ref who makes up his own rules. Let's keep it going for the weekend's match."
On our Facebook page, Chris Thompson says: "Murphinho was absolutely amazing once again." David Laws writes: "Gordon and Barnes are becoming lethal together."
Billy Harker says: "For the first time in a long time, Gordon used his speed to go down the line instead of cutting infield all the time. This is Gordon at his best.
"Big Nick showed us his class, some of his touches and visionary passes where world class. Pope was class, and Barnes to come on and grab a brace of goals. All in all an outstanding team performance. Well done every single squad member. Now carry this on in to the PL."
Richard Bartle adds: "That's the click that's been missing tonight, everything just snapped into focus for the lads tonight, Harvey Barnes is better than is given credit for, very neat. Big Nick was dynamic again, Bruno relentless, Jacob Murphy is the most improved player in Europe right now.
"Miley looks class and slipped in the middle like a glove, and Anthony Gordon take a bow sir, the pedigree and temperament of this kid is class. Special mention to Big Dan Burn, winning headers and hitting shots, also a class act."
Have your say! How do Newcastle United replicate this strong performance in their next Premier League outing? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.