Eddie Howe confident in £35m duo as Newcastle’s solution amid transfer challenges

After a January transfer window focused more on departures than arrivals at St James’ Park, the responsibility now falls on Eddie Howe’s squad players to step up when called upon.

Saturday’s FA Cup tie against third-tier high-flyers Birmingham City presented the perfect opportunity for some of Newcastle’s fringe players to prove their worth—and they did just that.

Joe Willock delivered a Man of the Match performance at St Andrew’s, scoring twice to help Newcastle secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory.

His impressive display was particularly significant given the challenging period he has endured in recent months.

Having faced abhorrent abuse last week, the former Arsenal midfielder will have taken great personal satisfaction in silencing some of his critics with his performance.

Due to Newcastle’s current shortage of attacking options, Willock was deployed in the front three for this fixture.

With Anthony Gordon sidelined due to a minor knock, Harvey Barnes still recovering from a muscle injury, and Joelinton also ruled out for the foreseeable future, Howe had limited choices.

As a result, Willock was pushed into an attacking role on the left flank.

“It was interesting to see him in that position,” Howe said of the £25m midfielder. “With Anthony’s injury, we played Joe as a wide-left player. I thought he did really well.

He’s got the running capacity to play there. It’s different from playing in the middle, but he has the pace to take players on and win one-on-one battles.

“He also has the technique to drift into pockets of space, cut inside, and shoot with his right foot. He looked dangerous throughout the game.

When he plays as a central midfielder, he naturally drifts wide anyway, so I think he’s quite comfortable in those areas.”

On the opposite flank, 21-year-old William Osula also caught the eye. Still relatively unknown to many, the versatile forward made the most of his opportunity to shine in a televised cup encounter.

Signed for £10m in the summer, Osula has had to be patient for chances this season. A natural central striker, he has primarily been Alexander Isak’s backup.

However, given Newcastle’s lack of options on the right wing, he was given a chance to play in a wider role—and he made a strong case for more game time.

Osula contributed two assists, albeit with some luck on one of them, and proved to be a constant threat down the right.

His direct running and physical presence made life difficult for Birmingham full-back Alex Cochrane, and his performance showed he has a fighting spirit.

Beyond his work ethic, Osula’s technical ability was also evident. His blistering pace is a major weapon, and once he adds more goals to his game, he could develop into one of Newcastle’s most exciting post-takeover signings.

“I thought Will was a real outlet for us,” Howe added. “His pace, strength, and directness were crucial in the first half as we fought our way back into the game.

“He still has some areas to develop, but he’s heading in the right direction. I thought he was unlucky not to score. I think he can play anywhere across the front three.

His pace is his biggest asset, and you saw that with his direct running.

“I believe he’s got goals in him—he’s a natural finisher. There are still a few rough edges to smooth out, but if we keep working with him, he’s going to bea big player for us.”