Eddie Howe has candidly admitted that he wasn't satisfied with the energy levels from Joelinton and Sean Longstaff in the first half against Wolves, which led to their substitution.
The Newcastle United head coach also issued a stark warning that he's ready to make bold changes when necessary, especially with players like Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock, and Sandro Tonali on the bench. Despite the trio making a significant impact after being subbed on, Howe acknowledged the "disappointment" among certain squad members over the altered starting XI that faced Tottenham Hotspur.
Howe explained: "We had a few players that were disappointed not to start. We made changes to the team against Tottenham but they were tactical.
"Lloyd Kelly came out, Emil Krafth comes out and Harvey Barnes came out and they all played well against Tottenham. But every game is different and I have to find a way, the best way I can to win the next game.
"It is not a reflection of them as players. I thought they played really well but the most important thing is the players respond in the right way and the best way is playing the next game is how they perform on the pitch.
"I though the three subs played well and I was really pleased with Sandro, pleased with Harvey and his finishes which were incredible and Joe Willock did really well.
"It is great to have the ability to pick Joe because he has had injury problems."
Howe offered a straightforward explanation for his managerial decisions during the latest match, revealing why he substituted players. He admitted: "I just felt we needed a different energy in the team. It is reflected in the quality of players we have waiting to play."
Howe emphasized the importance of giving subbed-in players adequate time to make an impact: "I want to give them long enough to influence the game. I did not want to cut their time too short that they could not impact the game as we needed them to."
Pleased with the fresh energy brought by the substitutes, Howe added, "I was pleased with their attitude when entering the pitch. The ability of the players is never questioned but they made a positive impact for us."
Concerning the half-time substitution of £63million signing Isak, Howe revealed it was out of necessity, stating, "Alex's substitution was enforced. It was his eye."
The details were unclear to Howe at the time, as he continued: "I did not see what the issue was but I knew he had to come off. I don't know if it is serious but I absolutely hope not."
Reflecting on the game which pushed Newcastle into third in the Premier League standings, despite challenges, Howe said: "It was a strange game because for 20 minutes we were in total control then we lost that control when Wolves scored. It was a difficult last 25 minutes of the first half."
He concluded by comparing this performance with previous ones: "It falls into line with the other games. We have played really well in passages but not consistently in the same game all the way through.
"What shone through today was the ability to find a way to win from a losing position. We had not done that regularly enough so loads of positive signs and we can still get better. But I think it was a step forward in terms of level of performance."
