Garth Crooks has picked his best 11 performers from the weekend’s action.
The Premier League team of the week that have most impressed him.
Included in his top 11 are two Newcastle United stars from the Newcastle 4 West Ham 3 game at St James’ Park.
Garth Crooks explains why he has picked out Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon for his Premier League team of the week and then the full eleven are listed below:
Anthony Gordon (Newcastle):
“It’s been one hell of a week for Gordon.
“He played for England against Brazil in midweek only to return to the North East to preside over the thrilling 4-3 comeback win over West Ham at St James’ Park and get sent off in the process.
“His second yellow card was his only mistake throughout the entire match against the Hammers.
“But why Vladimir Coufal felt the need to try to win a ball in his own box he didn’t need to and give away a penalty during the first three minutes of the game takes some explaining.
“Gordon was smart enough to know that if he got to the ball first the defender would clatter into him and so he did.
“Newcastle lived dangerously but West Ham were reckless to lose a two-goal lead when looking so comfortable.”
Harvey Barnes (Newcastle):
“West Ham haven’t kept a clean sheet in nine matches and it is hardly surprising the way they defended against Newcastle.
“Kalvin Phillips remains off the pace and needs a good pre-season and a series of top-class uninterrupted fixtures to get him back to where he once was.
“Meanwhile, Harvey Barnes looks every bit rejuvenated and back in business having come on for the Magpies and scored two brilliantly taken goals – and he could have had a hat-trick within 30 minutes.
“Both these players have suffered recently for various reasons but have the ability to get back playing international football.
“Phillips would do well to get signed and settled permanently at West Ham as soon as possible, while Barnes needs to remain fit for the rest of the season.”
Garth Crooks Premier League team of the week:
Andre Onana (Manchester United)
Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa)
William Saliba (Arsenal)
Gabriel (Arsenal):
Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)
Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)
Harvey Barnes (Newcastle)
Luis Diaz (Liverpool)
Ivan Toney (Brentford)
Son Heung-min (Tottenham)
Stats via BBC Sport:
Newcastle 4 West Ham 3 – Saturday 30 March 12.30pm
Goals:
Newcastle United:
Isak 6 pen, 77 pen, Barnes 83, 90 (Gordon red card 90+4)
West Ham:
Antonio 21, Kudus 45+10, Bowen 48
Possession was West Ham 40% (37%) Newcastle 60% (63%)
Total shots were West Ham 9 (6) Newcastle 24 (12)
Shots on target were West Ham 4 (3) Newcastle 9 (4)
Corners were West Ham 4 (2) Newcastle 3 (1)
Referee: Robert Jones
Newcastle team v West Ham:
Dubravka; Livramento (Almiron 56 (Barnes 67)), Lascelles (Krafth 17 (Hall 57)), Schar, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Willock (Anderson 57); Murphy, Isak, Gordon
Subs:
Karius, Dummett, Ritchie, White
(BBC Sport comments from ‘neutrals’ – Interesting on Newcastle United after West Ham thriller – Read HERE)
(David Moyes embarrasses himself with comments after Newcastle 4 West Ham 3 thriller – Read HERE)
(Eddie Howe absolutely loving what he saw today – That’s the beauty… Read HERE)
(Newcastle 4 West Ham 3 – Instant Newcastle United fan / writer reaction – Read HERE)
(Newcastle 4 West Ham 3 – Never ever doubt the character of this Newcastle United squad – Read HERE)
(This is the photo that all Newcastle United fans will absolutely love today… See HERE)
Newcastle United confirmed Premier League matches to mid-April 2024:
Tuesday 2 April 2024 – Newcastle v Everton (7.30pm) TNT Sports
Saturday 6 April 2024 – Fulham v Newcastle (3pm)
Saturday 13 April 2024 – Newcastle v Spurs (12.30pm) TNT Sports
Wednesday 24 April 2024 – Crystal Palace v Newcastle (8pm)
Saturday 27 April 2024 – Newcastle v Sheff Utd (3pm)
Newcastle United fixtures, including to be confirmed matches:
Saturday 4 May 2024 – Burnley v Newcastle
Saturday 11 May 2024 – Newcastle v Brighton
Sunday 19 May 2024 – Brentford v Newcastle (4pm)
***Man U v Newcastle waiting for rearranged date
Wednesday 22 May 2024 – Tottenham v Newcastle (at MCG – Melbourne Cricket Ground)
Friday 24 May 2024 – A-League All Stars team v Newcastle (at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne)