Alan Shearer singles out two absolutely outstanding’ Newcastle duo who made the Great win over Arsenal possible for praises, surprisingly, Not ISAK
Newcastle United’s recent days have been nothing short of sensational, capped off with an exhilarating victory on Saturday. Fresh off their stunning win over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, which secured their place in the tournament’s quarter-finals, Eddie Howe’s men delivered yet another resounding performance, clinching their most decisive Premier League victory of the season so far.
This time, it was Arsenal who fell to the Magpies at St James’ Park, with Newcastle eking out a 1-0 win courtesy of Alexander Isak’s brilliant first-half goal. The decisive play came from a beautifully executed cross by Anthony Gordon, which Isak expertly converted, highlighting the precision and flair that have come to define Howe’s Newcastle. While Arsenal pressed hard after falling behind, Newcastle’s defense, anchored by a well-organized backline and a steadfast Nick Pope in goal, stood firm. The Gunners struggled to break through, unable to truly test Pope, thanks to the home side’s exceptional discipline and unity.
The victory was not only a statement about Newcastle’s grit and ambition but also reinforced the reputation of St James’ Park as a fortress under Howe’s tenure. The team’s home ground has become a cauldron of intensity and passion, where the Magpies consistently deliver resilient, high-quality performances.
Alan Shearer, Newcastle’s legendary striker, was particularly impressed with the effort shown by two standout players. Analyzing the game for the Premier League’s official broadcast, Shearer singled out full-backs Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall for their immense contributions. Reflecting on Newcastle’s display, Shearer said, “They needed it and they deserved it. That set the standard. When they had to dig deep, they did. The two full-backs, Livramento and Lewis Hall, were absolutely outstanding and nullified any threat from Arsenal’s two wingers. It was a great all-round team performance, and a great goal to win the game.”
Livramento and Hall’s rapid growth and synergy in their roles are particularly encouraging. Newcastle’s decision to invest in these young, talented full-backs during the 2023 summer transfer window may have raised eyebrows at first, given other potential areas of need. However, both players have shown they are more than capable of meeting the demands of the Premier League. Livramento quickly adapted and established himself in the team, while Hall, after a brief period of adjustment, is now flourishing. Together, they have been solidifying Newcastle’s defense while also contributing to its attacking shape.
The importance of these two players goes beyond just one game. Their performances against Chelsea and Arsenal demonstrate that Newcastle has two English full-backs who are not only talented but also gaining valuable experience against some of Europe’s elite clubs. Howe’s faith in them has been evident, and his praise for their efforts, even during challenging games like the defeat at Stamford Bridge, reflects the club’s long-term vision.
As Newcastle continues to aim for domestic success and potentially deep European runs in the coming seasons, the development of Livramento and Hall could be instrumental. The fact that these young defenders have already shown they can be relied upon at the highest level adds a new layer of excitement and promise for Newcastle fans. With both players growing in confidence and skill, Newcastle’s defense looks primed to be a stronghold for years to come.