Eddie Howe spoke to Amazon Prime following our brilliant Boxing Day win over Aston Villa at St James’ Park.

The boss discussed our brilliant start through Anthony Gordon – who scored a stunner within 90 seconds – our ability to manage the game against 10 men, our attacking threat and another clean sheet.

His transfer stance heading into January was also made clear, as Howe doubled down on his hope to strengthen – not stand still – if PSR allows it…

Howe “delighted” with Toon form

Starting with his reaction to the result, goals and another convincing win that sends us up to fifth, Howe said this shortly after the full-time whistle:

“It’s a brilliant goal from Anthony [Gordon]. He’s capable of that and great to see that go in as he has been working hard on his finishing and wants more goals.

“Yes, it was 11 v 10 but the game was never done at 1-0 and we showed good team characteristics. We were patient with the ball, we adapted and managed the situation (against 10 men) very well. I’m delighted with the win.

“We were never comfortable until the second goal and I have to complement the players and how well they are playing, it is a good set of results and performances. We’ve been searching for consistency.”

In his praise for our quality and renewed confidence at both ends, Howe added: “We looked like we could score at any moment. The attacking players have their confidence back which is great to see and we look in a great place.

“But the defensive side we don’t neglect either. Dubravka has done a really good job for the team and the back four have responded. We’re in a good place.”

Howe asked about January

Speaking to Shay Given and Thomas Hitzlsperger after the match, Howe was asked about our January transfer plans once again.

Howe’s message was clear. We want to strengthen and we can’t ‘stand still’, but we can only sign if we’re given license to do so within PSR restrictions:

“If we can strengthen [in January], of course that would be our preference”, Howe said. “You can never stand still in the game. The game evolves too quickly. We want to stay at the very top of that evolving feeling.

“But you can only do it if we can do it (spend). And if we can’t, we have to get the best out of the squad, which is what we’re doing.”

Asked about the red card incident, Howe felt it was “harsh” and a surprise to see Jhon Duran shown a straight red: “Thought it was maybe harsh, my gut feel. Little surprised red card came out.”