Eddie Howe shares the real reason Harvey Barnes was subbed at half time during Newcastle’s Carabao Cup win over Wimbledon.
Newcastle United fans were shocked to see Harvey Barnes taken off at half time during the Magpies’ Carabao Cup win over Wimbledon.
The Magpies beat Wimbledon 1-0 to advance to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, but it was another uninspiring performance from Eddie Howe’s side.
Newcastle United struggled to break down Wimbledon’s defence, and were limited to speculative shots from distance in the opening 45 minutes. One of them came from Harvey Barnes, who started for the Magpies for the third game in a row.
However, the 26-year-old only lasted 45 minutes. He was replaced ahead of the second half, with Bruno Guimaraes coming on and playing very well. That change resulted in Joelinton moving from centre-midfield to left wing.
It was an interesting substitution, as there had been no suggestion that Barnes was injured. Alternatively, he was not playing so poorly that he needed to be replaced.
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Harvey Barnes of Newcastle United (11) runs with the ball during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Newcastle United and AFC Wimbledon at Th…
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
The reason why Harvey Barnes was substituted during Newcastle 1 Wimbledon 0
Now Eddie Howe has addressed the decision to take Barnes off, explaining to the Chronicle why the £39million man was withdrawn after the first half.
“That was planned before the game,” he said.
“Without the injury to Martin we might have done a few more at half-time. The plan was to rotate and keep everybody fresh for Saturday.
“There were a couple of players played longer than I wanted to.”
