Ian Wright questions Eddie Howe decision after Newcastle United draw at Nottingham Forest

Eddie Howe’s team selection in Newcastle United’s draw at Nottingham Forest has been questioned.

The Magpies manager sprung a surprise when he named Nick Woltemade in his starting eleven and hand a start Lewis Hall on the right-hand side of his back four. However, it was his decision to leave Harvey Barnes on the bench that caused the most surprise for former Arsenal and England legend Ian Wright. The winger was introduced into the action during the second half and wasted little time in making an impact as he raced on to a neat pass from Jacob Ramsey before firing beyond former United goalkeeper Matz Sels.

The Magpies were unable to claim all three points as Magpies academy product Elliot Anderson grabbed a late equaliser for Forest as they all but secured their Premier League status - but it was the decision to start Barnes on the bench that provided a main talking point for Wright.

Speaking on Sky Sports coverage of the game, the Arsenal legend said: “Being there, where he was in the middle, you’re not catching him there. It’s the composure, that’s what they needed, that’s what we didn’t see in the first-half, it’s the composure once he got in. He got his body in, held him off, his strength was brilliant and he finished it. I can’t understand why he didn’t start him to be honest. I’m surprised Forest played like they did, I thought they would have played a lot better than they did considering where they are.”

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