Howe issues Sandro Tonali update and explains surprise goalkeeper call
Eddie Howe has issued an update on the status of Sandro Tonali, who started from the bench against Nottingham Forest, and his decision to drop Martin Dubravka and recall Nick Pope.
The Italian was deemed not fit to start for a Champions League-chasing Newcastle that almost threw away a 4-1 lead after a lackadaisical second half performance, but ultimately moved within three points of Forest.
Lewis Miley and Joe Willock both started alongside Bruno Guimaraes, with Joelinton still sidelined with a knee injury. Teenage talent Miley has received heavy praise after a commanding performance in the midfield maestro’s initial absence, replacing Willock with 20 minutes to play.
Tonali situation explained
Tonali has an issue with his hamstring deemed not worth taking the risk of aggravating with a start ahead of an important few weeks in the Magpies’ season.
“He had a hamstring problem in the week, he missed a couple of days training,” said Howe. “I didn't really want to risk him today but with the second half as it was we felt we needed his legs in midfield.”
“He said he felt OK to play. It was a reluctant sub but I thought he did OK when he came on and touch wood he's OK.”
Newcastle have a trip to Anfield on Wednesday before Brighton in the FA Cup, which Joelinton could return in time for, before West Ham away in our final game that precedes the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
Howe is right to be cautious with Tonali, and the midfield on the day did more than enough to justify their selections. Willock exploited space left by Forest during a shell shocked 11 minute spell in which we scored four, but he wasn’t the highlight of the midfield.
Miley “anything he wants to be” according to his manager, his equalising goal on Sunday a highlight in an overall commanding performance for the 18-year-old who remained composed and instrumental in the win.
Howe on goalkeeper call
Nursing Tonali’s injury wasn’t the only decision Howe had to make with Sunday’s lineup. The manager opted for a change between the sticks as Nick Pope replaced Martin Dubravka.
Pope’s performance was ultimately a mixed bag. His positioning for Forest’s opening goal was poor, showing Callum Hudson-Odoi plenty of the net to whip home into, however a quick throw out from the back allowed us to counter as the away side overloaded in attack and led directly to Alexander Isak’s second.
"It was a big decision, they're all big decisions but I understand why the goalkeeper is highlighted because there's only one," said Howe. "It's always with a view to trying to pick a team to win a football match. That's what I did today.
"I value both goalkeepers that have played this year, Martin and Nick. Nick has got his strengths, Martin has got his strengths.
"Nick distributed the ball really well, he played a part in two goals today. He helps us with set plays and the physical threat, which we didn't do well enough with our outfield players. But he'll be disappointed to concede three goals for sure."
