Alan Shearer names the £105m reason why Newcastle United have got their mojo back

After beating Chelsea and Arsenal at St James’ Park last week, the Magpies were able to follow that up with a 3-1 victory at Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon. Eddie Howe’s side trailed at half-time to Murillo’s header but came from behind to win via goals from Alexander Isak, Joelinton and substitute Harvey Barnes.

Prior to wins against Chelsea and Forest, United were without a victory in five Premier League matches. And Shearer believes the decision to start Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock as the midfield three with Joelinton moving out to the flank is the catalyst behind the turnaround.

“He’s found the balance in midfield and that has been the big difference, that’s where the change has been,” Shearer told the Rest is Football Podcast.

“Joe Willock has come onto the left, Bruno in the middle and Longstaff just to right to him, and Joelinton either left or right side up front which allows Gordon to play left or right.

“I think that balance has worked perfectly and that has been the big difference. From winning against Chelsea, Arsenal and Forest, they’ve got their mojo back, they’ve got their energy back. They look much more like the team from a year ago or 18 months ago when they were really tough to play against.”

The Magpies will look to make it four wins in a row when they host West Ham United after the international break.