The 5 biggest winners at Newcastle United under Eddie Howe so far

Newcastle United were in a bleak situation when Eddie Howe was appointed in November. Despite fan excitement reaching an all-time high in the aftermath of the Saudi-backed takeover, the Magpies were a mess on the field.

A frustrating 1-1 draw away at Brighton left Newcastle five points from safety and joint-bottom of the Premier League. Not only that, the club were winless and jibes from rival supporters about becoming the richest club in the Championship looked like a real possibility.

However, a dramatic turnaround since the New Year has propelled United up the table and 10 points clear of the drop zone. It would be ignorant to suggest new-found wealth is the sole reason behind the Magpies’ emphatic U-turn in form; it has certainly helped, but the resurgence of players whose days looked numbered at St James’ Park deserves just as much credit.

Howe has transformed a team devoid of confidence into a solid unit, with each player knowing their role. ChronicleLive analyses the five biggest winners since the 44-year-old arrived on Tyneside.

Joelinton has gone from laughing stock to cult hero - personifying Newcastle’s turnaround since Howe took charge. The Brazilian was a £40million flop as a forward but has reinvented himself as a combative, box-to-box midfielder and endeared himself to the Toon supporters.

His bullet header in the 2-0 win against Brentford resulted in him running the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the Newcastle fans - scenes that appeared impossible less than six months ago. Joelinton should have a big part to play on Tyneside in the coming years.

The Scotsman played the best football of his career under Howe at Bournemouth, making 14 top-flight assists in 2018/19. A frustrating 18 months at