Eddie Howe has praised the effort of his players and the support shown from fans inside St James’ Park during last night’s 1-1 draw with Norwich.
10-man Toon held firm and dug in for over 80 minutes after Ciaran Clark was shown a straight red card for a stupid challenge on Teemu Pukki, who still had plenty to do.
We actually took the lead when a Callum Wilson spot-kick took the roof off St James’ Park, but those celebrations were in vain when Pukki’s piece of brilliance levelled the scores late on.
Howe was proud of his side for their effort shown but acknowledged that the result wasn’t good enough, with many Toon fans heading into the clash calling it a must-win.
Here’s what our manager said following the result while speaking to the media:
“We know we need wins.
“Draws aren’t going to be enough but all you can do in a game is give your all and I think the players did that tonight.
“That is the level of effort we need in every game, regardless of how many players we’ve got on the pitch.”
“We’re devastated not to get the three points but I’m going to cling onto the team spirit and togetherness.
“If we deliver the mentality we showed with 10 men v 11 on a regular basis, we’ll win games. No doubt about that.
“The game plan went out the window but we didn’t wallow – we manned up. The supporters were magnificent – I’d have loved to have played in that special atmosphere.”
Howe then had this to say on Ciaran Clark’s early red card:
“It was the start we didn’t want. I thought the crowd would get us over the line.
“I felt the players showed real resilience, which we’re going to need for the upcoming matches.
“In the cold light of day he’d probably make a different decision but the impulse has made him stop the striker.
“My immediate focus was to figure out what we had to do. I didn’t want to take Ryan Fraser off but Fede came on and I thought he was magnificent.”
This is what Howe said on the the atmosphere at St James’ Park, praising the impact fans had on his players:
“The fans helped the team so much.
“The atmosphere was something I’d loved to have played in and the supporters galvanised the players.
“They both have to feed off each other and I hope the crowd saw players committed to the cause tonight.”
Sad thing is Fernandez is our BEST Central Defender – but under Jones has been left out (!!!??)
Lewis is our BEST Left Back – again under Jones has been left out
What’s worrying is that Howe’s listening to Jones – Jones has to go ASAP
Fraser isn’t a good player & let’s face it – even with 9 we should be beating Norwich so let’s not get too carried away with 1ot and NO shots on Target
What did Willock Do??
This is worrying
Seems self help Moto’s – other people’s words are what one stick’s on yr wall’s —- forget the Self Help books and put this on yr wall….
…3pts are better than 1
KK(Quote)
Got to wonder if Clark has a future at Newcastle
Simon Dean(Quote)