Lewis Hall official injury update after Newcastle United star forced off in 2-1 win v Manchester City
Newcastle United picked up a much-needed three points with their first Premier League victory over Manchester City in 13 attempts.
Newcastle United beat Manchester City 2-1 at St James’ Park on their return to Premier League action following the international break.
After a goalless first half, Harvey Barnes made up for his missed first-half chances with a second half brace either side of a Ruben Dias equaliser.
The Magpies held out for a hard-earned three points to end a run of successive defeats away from home to claim a sixth successive home win in all competitions.
The result keeps Newcastle 14th in the Premier League table, but now they sit four points above the relegation zone and four points off the top five and potential Champions League qualification.
Reflecting on the match, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe said: “The players didn't let us down, they were magnificent.
“Their heart and energy and athleticism was there and it needed to be because [Manchester City] are such a good opponent. One mistake and you're going to get punished. I thought it was a really high-level game against two really good teams.”
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Newcastle United changes make a big difference
Eddie Howe made three changes to his side following the 3-1 defeat at Brentford with Sven Botman, the suspended Dan Burn and injured Kieran Trippier dropping out for Fabian Schar, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento.
“The team is formed by individuals,” Howe added. “The individuals create the team and they've all got different attributes. So, you saw today Lewis Hall's technical ability considered again the length of time that he's been out and he's one that hadn't trained with us.
“So, we hadn't really seen him during the international break. That was a great performance from him. He took the ball under pressure, linked really well with Harvey, ran forward when he was able to in that first half before his legs started to tire.
“And then you got Tino who had stayed with us and had done a lot of hard work. I thought physically he looked unbelievable considering he's seven weeks out and a really high-level performance against a very dangerous opponent.
“So, I did think they both played really well.”
On Schar’s return, Howe said: I think Fabian and Malik [Thiaw] deserve real praise today because the way that we play, we're brave, we're aggressive and that leaves our centre-halves at times big areas to cover. I thought they both read the game really well.
“They got their positioning spot on. Both excellent with the ball too. So, yeah, very pleased with the two centre-halves.”
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Lewis Hall concern played down
It was Hall’s first Premier League start at St James’ Park since February after a tough spell with injuries throughout the year.
So there was understandably some concern when he went down and was substituted off in the second half.
But Howe explained the change was made after Hall cramped up.
“Yeah, I've not had a detailed debrief with the medical team, but I think it's cramp,” Howe added. “That is what I'm led to believe it is.”