Eddie Howe believes “confidence and strength” is returning to his Newcastle United side following today’s 4-1 win over Burnley at Turf Moor, feeling we looked fresh, fit and responded brilliantly to a tough start.
Wilson, Isak, Bruno and Longstaff all got on the scoresheet in an emphatic away win that also saw Joelinton and Miguel Almiron feature from the bench, with Nick Pope also back in the squad.
Speaking to the media after the match, Howe said: “From the first goal onwards, I thought it was a really good display from us. Confidence and strength is gradually returning to the group so it was a really good day for us. We were determined to try and give our all to finish as high as possible.”
In a post-match chat with NUFC TV, he added: “It was a tough start. Burnley put us under pressure in the first 10 minutes. We knew we had to weather that early period and defended well, but we did and grew into the game gradually. The first goal is the pivotal moment, as it settles us down and makes it tough for them.
“From then on, we performed really well. We got our passing game going, had more control, gave them a real problem in behind with the pace we had in the team today. There was a really good energy about us. We looked fresh and fit. Tactically we tweaked things a bit and credit to the players for making that work. A really good day for us.”
The result sees us move up to sixth, two clear of Man Utd and five clear of Chelsea, and is a precious away win after our ongoing struggles on the road. With two of our last three matches away from St James’ Park, it’s a major step in the right direction.
The boss also praised Emil Krafth, who stepped in the for the injured Fabian Schar at centre–back. “A really good performance from him. I am delighted with how he’s fitted into the team“, Howe said.
It was a shame to lose our clean sheet so late, but the four goals mean it’s our most prolific season in a 38-game Premier League season, while Alexander Isak became the first player in 20 years to reach 20 league goals after recovering from his penalty miss.
Callum Wilson also moved above Peter Beardsley and into second in our all-time Premier League scoring charts, while Anthony Gordon made it double figures for goals and assists this season after setting up Bruno’s first half strike.
