He was a monster vs Brighton: Howe has found the new Joelinton at Newcastle

Newcastle United secured their first home win in nearly two months yesterday afternoon, with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.

Eddie Howe’s men also ended a five-game losing run as a result, whilst ending any fears of being dragged into a late Premier League relegation battle.

Goals from Will Osula, Dan Burn and Harvey Barnes secured all three points for the Magpies, despite Jack Hinshelwood threatening to stage a comeback.

After a dismal couple of weeks on Tyneside, the result will certainly ease pressure on the manager and hopefully hand the side the chance to end the season on a high.

Numerous players stepped up to the plate during yesterday’s victory on home soil, with various stars deserving huge credit for their displays against the Seagulls.

Newcastle’s star performers against Brighton

Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes was once again handed a start yesterday afternoon, after making his return to the starting eleven against Arsenal last week.

The Brazilian made an immediate impact at St James’ Park, subsequently registering the assist for Burn’s goal and helping Howe’s men establish a two-goal lead.

He also managed to complete 100% of the dribbles he attempted, even being fouled five times – highlighting the threat he caused to the opposition throughout the contest.

Guimaraes wasn’t alone in starring at St James’ Park yesterday, with centre-back Malick Thiaw showing glimpses of his early season form once again.

The centre-back managed to win 100% of his ground duels during the victory, which saw him look more like the dominant force he showcased in months gone by.

His tally of 100% dribbles completed, and 19 passes completed allowed for a composed presence at the back to help bring the recent run of losses to an end.

The Newcastle star who’s becoming the new Joelinton

Criticism has been directed the way of Newcastle midfielder Joelinton in recent weeks due to his huge drop in form compared to the levels he’s previously demonstrated.

The Brazilian missed each of the last two defeats, but was recalled to the starting eleven yesterday, subsequently featuring in a wide left role rather than his role at the heart of the side.

However, the 29-year-old managed to complete 87% of the passes he attempted during the victory and won two tackles alongside achieving a 67% aerial success rate.

The midfielder has Howe to thank for his revival during his career, with many expecting the Brazilian to depart a couple of years ago after failing to deliver as a striker.

His switch to a deeper role allowed him to resurrect his career on Tyneside, with forward Osula the latest player to save his career under the manager’s guidance.

The Danish star, who joined from Sheffield United in the summer of 2024, has often had to rely on minutes from the bench, but Howe has recently given the youngster the chance to prove himself.

The 22-year-old has since taken his chance with both hands, subsequently scoring three times in his last four Premier League starts for the Magpies.

His latest effort got the ball rolling during Saturday’s triumph, which has certainly cemented his place as the club’s starting striker for the remainder of the campaign.

Osula’s strike will no doubt capture the majority of the headlines, but his underlying stats also showcase how impressive he was against Fabian Hurzeler’s men.

During his 68-minute performance, the Dane managed to complete 100% of the passes he attempted, whilst also creating a chance for his teammates.

Such numbers demonstrate his phenomenal all-round play, with the forward enjoying a huge revival in his career – just as Joelinton managed to do a couple of years ago.

He also managed to register two shots on target – the most of any player on the pitch – subsequently highlighting the threat he carried within the final third of the pitch.

His recent performances certainly deserve huge credit, with Osula undoubtedly fighting to secure his place in the manager’s plans for the foreseeable future.

Whilst Howe has been a man under huge pressure as of late, he must be handed praise for his decision to put faith in the youngster, with Osula a player who can have a huge future at St James’ in the years ahead.