Eddie Howe has been speaking to the press following Newcastle’s massive 2-1 win at Brentford this afternoon, describing it as a “huge moment” in our season as we came from behind to seal all three points.
The boss has hailed the character, fight and fitness levels shown to make it five wins on the spin, with the victory making it nine points in six days and a result that keeps us ahead of Man Utd and Spurs; who also won today.
The bad news is that Allan Saint-Maximin could be facing a “couple of weeks” on the sidelines after suffering a minor hamstring injury. Howe is hopeful it’s nothing serious, yet accepts it’s a “big blow” to lose the winger after he looked back to his best in our last two games.
Howe has played down talk of any row with Anthony Gordon – who looked visibly angry to be subbed off in the closing stages. Instead, the manager has praised his passion and reminded the 22-year-old to “control his emotions.”
Here’s what he had to say after the game, featuring his take on the two VAR decisions which went against us.
Howe on our 2-1 win over Brentford:
“It was very much a game of two halves. Brentford made it difficult – I thought they were very good. Set plays, direct play – we struggled to get any rhythm in our game.
“It was unlike us, even in possession we were a little negative with our decision-making. So I was pleased to get in at half-time, regroup and try and find a way back into the game.
“We changed things tactically. Sometimes that can give you a lift in itself. We knew we were desperate for the result and threw caution to the wind a little bit. The players responded well physically, even though we were a little bit fatigued.
“It was a very tough game. It was very physical, as we knew it would be. We suffered in the first half, but second half, what a response from a group of players that have played three games in six days. We had to dig really deep for the result and show character. It’s a huge moment.
Howe on the Brentford penalty and Wilson’s disallowed goal:
“I thought the penalty was harsh and the handball on Callum (Wilson) was also harsh, but that’s just my opinion.”
Howe on Saint-Maximin’s hamstring injury:
“I don’t think it’s serious with Allan.
“He didn’t feel 100 per-cent in the West Ham game so we decided to scan him and it revealed a very minor problem with his hamstring. We knew pretty much straight away he wasn’t going to be available for this game.
“Maybe a couple of weeks – I’m guessing slightly. Nothing too serious but that was a big blow because of the form Allan has been in. But again, we back the strength of the squad.”
Howe on Anthony Gordon’s reaction to being subbed off:
“From my side, there was 30 seconds left and he was down holding his ankle so I put an experienced player on the pitch.
“It is no reflection on his time on the pitch [to take him off] – I thought he was excellent and gave us a different dynamic. He is a really passionate boy who wants to do well, which is a really good sign.
“He just needs to control his emotions in that moment, but there are no problems.”
