Eddie Howe has praised Anthony Gordon’s first appearance at St James’ Park and accepted we missed Bruno Guimaraes’ creative spark following Saturday’s 1-1 draw with West Ham.
After an explosive start saw us race into the lead after just two minutes, the Hammers equalised through Lucas Paqueta and held on for what was probably a deserved point.
Howe admits we “undoubtedly” miss Bruno’s magic in the middle, feeling his eye for a pass and ability to receive the ball in all areas of the pitch was missed.
The boss was also “really pleased” with Gordon’s lively cameo down the left, feeling he was “very sharp” and “technically very good” – even if he couldn’t deliver the goal or assist he was looking for to take all three points.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Howe then gave is thoughts on what was our fourth draw in our last five Premier League games, accepting that teams are now looking to make games “tight” when they come to Tyneside; putting the onus on us to break teams down.
Watch what he had to say below:
