Newcastle United's £92m 'flex' ahead of Chelsea & why Eddie Howe deserves praise for Wolves win

After a recent dip in performance levels, a win was much needed at Newcastle United.

While the result is all that mattered - and a 3-0 victory over a European spot rival essential - an improved performance sent Magpies' fans home with a smile of their face, after a string of home disappointments.

Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and a Tino Livramento cracker sealed all three points for Eddie Howe's men on Tyneside - but what were the key talking points from the encounter? Here's five to look over...

The Willock factor

Legs. Newcastle have rarely had any in this last six weeks, particularly since Joe Willock dropped out of the equation.

He may have been rusty at Blackburn in midweek but it appears as if that hour at Ewood has done wonders. For an hour at St James' he was just what the doctor ordered for Howe's midfield.

Willock is not really of defensive mind as a player, but he has the speed and athleticism to recover when needed, and make line-breaking bursts to impact things in a forward-sense.

All Howe needs now is for the former Arsenal man to stay fit - something that he hasn't been able to do consistently for 12 months now.

Time for Livramento

Fans and the media alike has been calling for summer signing, Tino Livramento to be given a run in the side. Mostly, though, many have wanted him brought in for Dan Burn.

Injury to Kieran Trippier, who Howe says is a concern with a calf problem, could open the door for Livramento to really show what he's all about - and on his correct side.

His lung-busting runs from deep, especially for that Newcastle goal of the season contender, are a totally unique point of attack for United - and one that can hopefully help the Magpies' kick on in the final throes of the Premier League season.

Options - the chance is a fine thing

Yes, Trippier picked up a knock, and will potentially add to selection headaches, but it is starting to feel like United have options off the bench now. The chance is a fine thing for Howe, so often starved of even the most basic of changes when his players started to tire.

Being able to call on Livramento, Harvey Barnes, Elliot Anderson, Lewis Miley and Miguel Almiron off the bench is a long way from the talent drain of December and January.

Tactical tweak - Howe credit needed

So often, Howe has been criticised, of late, for his team's seeming lack of ability to adjust to the threats of their opposition. The head coach made no mistakes this time.

Newcastle have looked open, full of gaps between the defensive and midfield lines with the back four exposed against the likes of Nottingham Forest, Luton Town and others. This was not the case against Wolves.

Known for their transition threat, Howe countered that with a much more compact look, maybe even resembling an away team, as Newcastle soaked up the pressure and broke on the opposition clinically.

This team was a long way short of last season, but did have a look of Howe's Newcastle Mk1 from 2022.

Schar back to his best - and Bruno wasn't bad either

Howe said it in his post-match presser, there are very few who can do what Fabian Schar does in the Premier League, never mind at Newcastle.

With the ball he is as good as it gets - his starting of all three goals is testament to that - but his defensive work was right back up to a high standard again, aggressive and on the front foot.

Further forward, Bruno Guimaraes proved again why he is so crucial to everything this team does. Without his run for the first goal, Isak doesn't score and without his control of possession at key times, and some cleverness in winning set pieces, United maybe don't see this one through.

Two players who need protected at all costs.