Jonjo Shelvey started his second successive Premier League game with another 90 minutes as Newcastle United battled to a 3-3 draw against Brentford.
The 29-year-old missed seven matches earlier in the season after picking up a calf injury in the opening day defeat at home to West Ham United, but has impressed since returning to the side.
He was particularly influential on Saturday as Joelinton, Jamaal Lascelles and Allan Saint-Maximim struck for the Magpies, while Ivan Toney, Rico Henry and an own-goal helped the Bees to a point at St James' Park.
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It was an enthralling affair which could've gone either way, but Newcastle supporters will be dissapointed they didn't record a win in Eddie Howe's first game in charge.
Norwich City's victory over Southampton saw the Magpies drop to the bottom of the table after picking up just six points from their opening 12 matches.
However, Shelvey's performance was a positive aspect and he looked back to his best in a midfield two alongside Joe Willock.
The former Arsenal man was allowed to venture forward and support the front three, while Shelvey sat in a deeper position and controlled the tempo of the game.
Howe deployed a more front-foot approach to his Magpies side and some of their build-up play was excellent, starting from Shelvey in midfield.
He was feeding passes into Callum Wilson's feet and out to the likes of Jacob Murphy and Matt Richie, who were providing the width to stretch Brentford which would allow more space in the centre.
During the game, Shelvey had 69 touches, had one shot and completed 16 long balls which demonstrates the areas he tried to find and trouble the Brentford back-line.
This was a constant theme throughout the contest and he also registered three interceptions and two clearances, proving that the defensive aspect was also there.
However, the most impressive statistic was that Shelvey created five chances and only James Ward-Prowse and Stuart Dallas could match it across the 'Other14' in the Premier League.
Richie also made the top 12 with three, whilst Conor Gallagher, Dwight McNeil and Cucho Hernandez were on the list among a whole host of top-flight stars.
Shelvey has been renowned over the years for his set piece and dead ball prowess and he showed his important to the Newcastle team with a professional performance against Brentford.
Howe hinted before the game that the former Liverpool midfielder would play a key role in his side and did exactly that, dictating possession from deep.
Newcastle fans will be hoping that can continue when they make the trip to Arsenal this weekend, before facing Norwich and Burnley in consecutive games.
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