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‘Great game’: Neil Lennon says he’s been critical of Newcastle ace before, but loved him v Everton

Giuseppe Labellarte

Wed 9 February 2022 7:15, UK

BBC Sport pundit Neil Lennon has lauded Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles for his display against Everton.

The Magpies skipper helped Eddie Howe’s side record a 3-1 win over the Toffees at St James’ Park on Tuesday.

Lascelles was unfortunate to give Everton the lead through an own goal. Andre Gomes’ effort came off him and went into the net.

However, Newcastle then equalised just over 100 seconds later, through another own goal.

Lascelles made amends as he thundered a header against the bar, the ball going into the net via Mason Holgate.

Then, just before the hour, Ryan Fraser bundled the ball home from three yards out after some great play down the left flank from Allan Saint-Maximin.

And then, a magnificent free kick from Kieran Trippier sealed the win ten minutes from time.

Lascelles, , made more interceptions (5), more clearances (5) and won more defensive aerial duels (4 out of 4) than any other player in the game.

“Led the team brilliantly”

“You look at the character of some of the Everton players,” Lennon told . “The body language is all wrong.

“No doubt Newcastle are good value for money. They have been the hungrier, more dominant team as the game has worn on.

“I have been critical of Jamaal Lascelles in the past. But he has had a great game tonight and led the team brilliantly.”

One Lennon criticism of Lascelles came in the 1-1 draw with Watford on 15 January.

The former Celtic boss told at the time: “Jamaal Lascelles is the luckiest man at St James’ Park. He’s made an absolute boo-boo, trying to play a square pass and miskicked it.

“Moussa Sissoko has the whole goal to aim at and he misses. What an opportunity for Watford. All of a sudden there’s tension creeping into this game again.”