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3 weeks ago
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Just one of the many reasons why I love Eddie Howe.
No matter what the result, this is what you get from the Newcastle United boss.
Brutal honesty.
Win, lose, or draw, Eddie Howe tells it like it is.
The Newcastle United boss reacting to the start to the season, that has now brought three wins and a draw in the four matches played so far.
Eddie Howe talking as Newcastle United head into this September international break:
“I don’t think we are playing as we would like.
“I think that is obvious.
“I don’t think we are playing with enough control.
“I don’t think we are playing with enough composure.
“However, what we are showing, is the defensive and aggressive qualities that you need.
“I have to say, we are defending very well
“However, on the ball I think we have got a lot of work to do.
“Our attacking play has not kicked into rhythm yet.
“We are finding a way to win, but in the long-term, we need to improve our performances.
“We can move forward with positive momentum and it was difficult [against Tottenham] but we managed to grind out a win.
“This does give us confidence and shows we are a very good team but a team that can [also] improve.
“We need the players to believe and I think they do.
“However we still have a numbers of players that can make a difference, who are currently out injured.”
“It is a really small [Newcastle United] squad but in some senses, a small squad fosters team spirit and togetherness.
“That is what we will try to do.
“I think we have a great team spirit.
“Something that we have to protect at all costs and in part, that does go back to the transfer window, because [when you sign players] we have got to bring the right characters into the group.”
Eddie Howe on Emil Krafth (who has pulled out of Sweden’s September squad with a minor injury):
“I don’t believe Emil has ever really played centre-back in a back four before.
“He has played in a back three before but playing in a back four is totally different.
“He has done brilliantly in Fabian’s absence.
“He is very, very dependable.
“He is a great character.
“He wants to play for Newcastle and he is absolutely motivated to improve.
“Full credit to him.”
Eddie Howe on Sandro Tonali playing at St James’ Park for the first time in over 10 months:
“I didn’t know that was going to happen with the wall of flags, so it was a brilliant surprise, it looked incredible/
“Sandro was emotional and his performance when he came on was outstanding.
“It was just amazing from the fans.
“It does not surprise me.
“However, it is so important that the relationship between players and supporters is so strong.
“It was very different to the Nottingham Forest game.
“We were in need of a spark and he gave us that.”
Newcastle 2 Tottenham 1 – Sunday 1 September 1.30pm
(Stats via BBC Sport)
Goals:
Newcastle United:
Barnes 37, Isak 78
Spurs:
Burn OG 56
Possession was Newcastle 34% Spurs 66%
Total shots were Newcastle 9 Spurs 20
Shots on target were Newcastle 3 Spurs 6
Corners were Newcastle 7 Spurs 12
Touches in the box Newcastle 14 Spurs 49
Newcastle United team v Tottenham:
Pope, Livramento, Krafth, Burn, Kelly (Hall 68), Joelinton, Bruno, Longstaff (Tonali 68), Barnes (Jacob Murphy 61), Isak, Gordon (Almiron 90+4)
Unused subs:
Dubravka, Trippier, Targett, Osula, Alex Murphy
(Newcastle 2 Tottenham 1 – Instant Newcastle United fan / writer reaction – Read HERE)
(BBC Sport comments from ‘neutrals’ – Interesting on Newcastle United after win over Tottenham – Read HERE)
Newcastle United schedule to end of October 2024:
(The first international break of the season)
Sunday 15 September 2024 – Wolves v Newcastle (4.30 pm) Sky Sports
Weeks commencing Monday 16 September AND Monday 23 September – Carabao Cup round three (This round split over two midweeks)
Saturday 21 September 2024 – Fulham v Newcastle (3 pm)
Weeks commencing Monday 16 September AND Monday 23 September – Carabao Cup round three (This round split over two midweeks)
Saturday 28 September 2024 – Newcastle v Man City (12.30 pm) TNT Sports
Saturday 5 October – Everton v Newcastle (5.30pm) Sky Sports
Saturday 19 October – Newcastle v Brighton (3pm)
Sunday 27 October – Chelsea v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

 
