Eddie Howe sends warning to Newcastle United players after Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn arrivals

Newcastle United have recorded back-to-back wins in the Premier League with effectively the same starting XI.

But head coach Eddie Howe has warned he isn’t afraid to ring the changes if there is a slip up against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

Loan signing Matt Targett was the only change against Everton from the side that beat Leeds United with Paul Dummett unavailable through injury.

The likes of Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar, Joelinton and Joe Willock retained their places, despite the arrivals Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn.

Indeed, Howe’s selection was justified after going on to beat Everton 3-1 - but supporters remain keen to see January signings Guimaraes and Burn in action.

Guimaraes, who wears Bruno G on his shirt, enjoyed a short cameo appearance versus the Toffees. Burn, however, was an unused substitute.

Howe revealed after the Everton game he felt it was dangerous to drop players that didn’t deserve it. That said, he also has no qualms about doing so if they’re not performing.

‘If they don’t perform they’ll come out the team’

Howe said: "You’re not going to give your best performances if you feel you’re comfortable in the team every week. Part of the reason for signing new players is to push that.

“I’ve always said, you don’t want the team to pick itself, you don’t want easy decisions in my shoes, you want tough calls.

"I had a tough call in this game (Everton) in many different areas of the team but that’s what I’m after.

"That will inspire the players to give more and I thought you could see that tonight (versus Everton).

"No player is certain of their place under my management because if they don’t perform they’ll come out the team, it’s simple as that.

"I’ll always make the decision for the benefit of the team. It has to be the team first ahead of any individual.”

‘We didn’t want to disrupt that harmony and mindset’

As well as Guimaraes, Burn and Targett, the Magpies also signed Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood as part of five new signings.

The latter two have played in games against Watford, Leeds and Everton together.

Overall, Howe believes his winter additions have “enhanced” the mood of the squad.

Howe said: "One of the biggest things for me when we recruited players in the January window was their attitude and commitment.

"We have got a really good group of players here and what we didn’t want to do was disrupt that harmony and mindset.

“We wanted to enhance it with people that can lead, talk and have been in this position before potentially and have experience of the league.

"It’s quite a mix to find those players but all the guys that have come in have enhanced the mood so far."