Eddie Howe’s final rallying cry ahead of Arsenal semi-final

Olly Hawkins

Speaking to the media in his latest press conference, Eddie Howe issued the perfect pre-match message ahead of tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at home to Arsenal.

We need a response following back-to-back defeats at St James’ Park and Howe struck just the right tone in his plea to players and fans as we build up to kick-off at 8pm.

We’re 2-0 up in the tie and go into the match in a strong position in that sense, but our recent wobble against Bournemouth and Fulham has raised anxiety levels, making the importance of a big effort and bear pit atmosphere all the more vital against Mikel Arteta’s side.

Howe’s rallying call to players and fans

Eddie Howe has a brilliant way with words – I’ve never known a Newcastle boss speak so well, so consistently to the media – and his message ahead of tonight’s game is brilliant.

Everyone has a huge role to play tonight and Howe is clearly conscious of that, asking his players to be “positive” and “aggressive” and fans to raise the roof, feeling it is a “potent” mix when everyone is pushing in the same direction at St James’ Park.

Howe said: “My message is, we are at the halfway point in the tie. Against any opposition the game is still very much alive. We have to approach the game in a really positive and aggressive way, try and be ourselves, there will be no deviation from that. We are in a good position and need to make the most of every opportunity.”
“Us and the crowd have become a really potent team together and that’s what we’re going to need. We’re going to need to absolutely engage all our supporters in our energy and body language and use every power we possess to involve them.”
“We need to make this a formidable environment for our opponent. It is our duty to do that.”
Asked for his thoughts on Saturday’s defeat to Fulham, Howe insists that we have “learnt our lessons” and go into tonight “focused” on putting things right.
“It’s time to put that game away, focus now on the future. We have a massive game and massive incentive, we learnt our lessons and we know we can do better, but we are now focused on this next one.”

Wor Flags’ special request

On the subject of tonight’s atmosphere, Wor Flags’ plea is clear – get in early, bring your scarf and bring the noise!

In a series of pre-match posts on X, they said: ‘The Gallowgate and the Leazes are completely stacked with flags, please get them going. The walkways have the bigger wavers on, we’d appreciate as much help as possible with those. East Stand, thank you in advance for your support and cooperation 

‘Another atmosphere like this [when winning 4-1 against PSG] needed under the lights. We all need to do our part in the stands. Get in early, twirl those scarves and make one hell of a racket. Howay the Lads!’

Let’s raise the roof and help the lads get us to Wembley. Howay the lads!

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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One thought on “Eddie Howe’s final rallying cry ahead of Arsenal semi-final”

  1. Eddie Howe always comes across well when speaking to the press and knows how to conduct himself, unlike Arteta.
    Should we be nastier at times in order to win something 🤔

      (Quote)

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