The Toon Army notched an attention-grabbing opening day win in some style
Former Premier League striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has sent a warning shot to Premier League defences up and down the country after Newcastle United’s five-star showing against Aston Villa.
Many have predicted the Toon Army and Villa to be battling it out for a place in the top six again this season, few expected Eddie Howe’s men to thrash the Birmingham outfit 5-1 and end the weekend top of the league. Hasselbaink had a close up showing of United’s display and was left impressed in particular by Harvey Barnes’ 22-minute cameo in the closing stages.
The summer signing from relegated Leicester City came off the bench to set up Callum Wilson for the fourth goal before rattling in the fifth in front of the Gallowgate, and the Dutchman believes defences in the top flight this season will find it hard to stop the flying winger when he’s in full flow.
He’s a top player. When he’s on top of his game, it’s very hard to stop him and that’s a fantastic finish,” said the ex-Chelsea frontman on Sky Sports.
Fellow pundit and former Toon star Andros Townsend echoed Hasselbaink’s thoughts, saying the 25-year-old from Burnley will provide a real threat in the final third over the course of the season.
“Yeah, I think that (Alain) Saint-Maximin, who he’s been bought in to replace, is technically better on the ball but Barnes has had 20-25 minutes today and got himself on the scoresheet and found an assist. Newcastle have gotten themselves, someone who can definitely contribute in the final third,” Townsend added.
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