It seems as if Newcastle United are gathering momentum for the final few stages of the season.
Though the win over Fulham was so unconvincing that it started with Eddie Howe holding “harsh words” with his players, Newcastle have now made it two wins from three since the international break.
While the defence will surely need to improve between now and the end of the season, qualification for the Europa League feels like a genuine possibility now.
Howe’s side are one point off West Ham in seventh with a game in hand, so should feel confident of getting over the line on that front.
Still, little about this wild season suggests Newcastle will have it easy.
Other than games against Tottenham, Brighton and Manchester United, the Magpies will surely be expected to win their remaining fixtures – albeit the inconsistent nature of their campaign make that hard to fully predict.
Whatever happens, players will need to step up.
Luckily, in Harvey Barnes, they have someone doing exactly that.
Eddie Howe delivers exciting Harvey Barnes update for Newcastle
The winger, who saw the start of his Newcastle career disrupted by a freakish foot injury, scored two goals against West Ham and played in the cross from which Bruno Guimaraes ultimately scored against Fulham.
Speaking about the 26-year-old (via The Chronicle): “Harvey has done very well for us but there is no doubting his quality. There is no doubting his quality; he is a quality player.
“Again a player that succumbed to injury early on but he has come back into the team and made a difference. He gave us real energy, purpose and quality when he entered the pitch and there’s no doubt he will get plenty of game time between now and the end of the season, he is a big player.”
Newcastle have a dangerous frontline waiting to be played
The prospect of playing Barnes, Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak together up front is an exciting one.
The likes of Joleon Lescott have been talking up that particular trio, suggesting it would be “devastating” for any rival team to contend with.
Barnes is coming good after serious injury problems and could yet have a big role to play in the battles to come.
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