Saturday was a huge win at St James’ Park and capped off the end of a perfect week for Newcastle United. Not only was it a massive three points and the sort of victory capable of kickstarting our season, it was a reminder that we have a future-proof full-back duo.
Every single player played their part against Arsenal as we restricted Mikel Arteta’s side to just one shot on target, but it was Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento who delivered immaculate displays.
Newcastle committed to spending a combined £60m on the pair last summer, with Livramento arriving in a £32m move from Southampton and Hall an initial loan that included an obligation to buy for £28m at the end of the 2023/24 season.
At the time, some questioned why we were investing so heavily in the future when we still had Kieran Trippier, other priority positions to address and an ongoing battle with FFP that limited our spending power, but anyone who watched Saturday’s game could see that we’ve signed two future England regulars with limitless potential.
Hall – a player often left out of Howe’s XI last season for his defensive frailties – didn’t give Bukayo Saka an inch. One of the best right-wingers in the Premier League and Arsenal’s talisman, yet there wasn’t one occasion he went past the 20-year-old.
Not only was his one-on-one defending superb, he was strong in the air, razor-sharp to read danger, tough in duels and slick on the ball to weave his way out of trouble or set up attacks down our left.
Then to Tino, who did a similar job on Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus. He had both Brazilians to handle at different stages of the match, but his pace, power and determination to stop the cross saw him snuff them out at every opportunity. His driving runs forward and composure in tight situations also took some pressure off the defence, with his quick feet and first time passing catching the eye.
Together, Hall and Livramento were not successfully dribbled past by an Arsenal player over the 95 minutes and conceded just one foul between them. It was a masterclass in full-back play and reminder that last summer’s investment is looking an absolute snip.
With this likely to be Trippier’s last season on Tyneside – ideal timing now Tino looks to be the perfect successor – and Hall nailing down that left-back spot after a tough first 12 months at St James’ Park, we look to be in safe hands at full-back.
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