Eddie Howe has a big decision to make as Newcastle United prepare to welcome Crystal Palace to St James’ Park this weekend. The win over Burnley on Tuesday night was important, but it did not hide some worrying signs, especially in midfield.
Newcastle came away from Turf Moor with a 3-1 victory, thanks to goals from Joelinton, Yoane Wissa and a late strike from Bruno Guimarães, yet the performance itself was far from smooth. In many ways, the result papered over cracks that Howe cannot afford to ignore if Newcastle want to build real momentum.
Bruno Guimarães once again proved why he is so vital to this team. His late goal settled nerves and ensured Newcastle took all three points, showing his quality and leadership in key moments.
However, the Brazilian should never have been placed in a position where he needed to rescue the team so late on. Burnley caused Newcastle problems through the middle of the pitch, and at times the Magpies looked loose, rushed, and careless in possession. That lack of control is something Crystal Palace will be keen to exploit.
Much of the post-match discussion has focused on Sandro Tonali, and it is hard to argue against the criticism he received. The Italian midfielder struggled badly against Burnley and looked off the pace from the opening minutes.
His passing was sloppy, his positioning felt uncertain, and his usual intensity was missing. Observers were quick to point out that this was one of the poorest displays Tonali has produced in a Newcastle shirt, and the frustration was clear to see.
This is not about questioning Tonali’s ability. When he is sharp and confident, he is one of the most complete midfielders in the Premier League. He brings energy, intelligence, and composure, and he has been a key figure for Howe since returning from his long ban.
However, football is about timing and balance, and right now Tonali looks like a player who needs a break rather than more minutes.
Fatigue appears to be the biggest issue. Tonali has already played a huge amount of football this season, starting the majority of Newcastle’s matches and rarely getting a chance to rest.
That kind of workload catches up with even the best players, especially in a physically demanding league like the Premier League. When legs get tired, decision-making suffers, and that was clear to see at Turf Moor.
Eddie Howe has always spoken about managing his squad carefully, and this is where that philosophy must come into action. Dropping or resting Tonali for the Palace game would not be a punishment.
Instead, it would be a smart move designed to protect the player and help him return to his best level. Great managers know when to rotate, even if it means leaving out a big name.
Newcastle are fortunate to have options in midfield. Players like Joe Willock, Lewis Miley, and Jacob Ramsey can all step in and do a solid job.
They may not offer the same level of control or experience as the first-choice trio of Guimarães, Tonali, and Joelinton, but they bring energy, hunger, and fresh legs. Against a Palace side that likes to play on the counter and press aggressively, that freshness could make a real difference.
Bruno Guimarães should remain the heartbeat of the team, as his influence is simply too important to lose. Joelinton’s physical presence and work rate also make him hard to drop.
That leaves Tonali as the one player who could benefit most from being taken out of the spotlight for a game or two. Giving him a rest now could pay off later in the season when Newcastle need him firing on all cylinders.
The Burnley win was welcome, but it should not distract from the bigger picture. Newcastle want to push higher up the table and compete consistently, and that requires brave decisions from the manager. Eddie Howe has earned the trust of the fans by being bold when needed, and this feels like another moment where he must act decisively.
Crystal Palace will not be an easy opponent, and Newcastle cannot afford another sloppy display in midfield. Rotating Tonali out of the starting eleven could bring balance, energy, and control back into the team.
More importantly, it could help the Italian rediscover the form that made him such a crucial part of Howe’s plans. Sometimes, the toughest calls are also the smartest ones, and this weekend could be the right time for Howe to prove that once again.
