Howe talks top four, Bruno shock, VAR and 'exciting' future after 2-1 win at Tottenham
Following our 2-1 away at Tottenham, Eddie Howe revealed he believed it was our 'best performance' since his arrival, praising the 'progress' we've made but reminded fans that there's still a 'long way to go'.
In less than 12 months in the job, Howe just keeps going from strength to strength, but the 44-year-old very much believes this was the best we've played since he joined and certainly a very 'big win'.
The boss believes there is an 'exciting' future ahead for Newcastle fans, stating after the game that we haven't actually got up to '100% speed' yet - suggesting there's plenty room for improvement and a lot more to come despite our superb run of form!
Speaking on Callum Wilson's controversial goal, the boss was 'very happy' that it stood but admitted he wasn't sure at the time because of the nature of VAR.
Despite now being in the top four after 12 games, the former Bournemouth man was keen to remind everyone that 'we won't get ahead of ourselves' and that the team is fully focused on the next game; a clash with Aston Villa this Saturday. Here's what he had to say after the big win:
Eddie Howe on the performance:
"I think it is (our best so far). I said to the players afterwards, when you think back to last year when we were here and got beaten heavily, there's been a lot of progress made and full credit to the players today.
"It was a big win. We were determined to come here and be positive. Great display from us. We deserved the win. My players deserve all the credit for how we attack the game. We executed the game plan really well."
Eddie Howe on us moving up to 4th:
"There's a long way to go. Very tight division. We're enjoying the moment, but we won't get ahead of ourselves. We'll try to win. I'm sure people will talk us up, but I don't want to put any external pressure on my players."
Eddie Howe on Bruno Guimaraes:
“I didn’t know about the two nights without sleep! He kept that part quiet from me! I only knew about the one. He’s given his heart & soul to the club since he signed.”
Eddie Howe on the scenes in the away end and the 'exciting' future ahead:
“The scenes at the end were brilliant to be a part of. It was probably the best performance since I came here. The future is exciting as I still don’t feel we’re at 100% full speed yet.”
Eddie Howe on Wilson's goal:
"I'm very happy the goal stood. I wasn't sure at the time because you're in the hands of VAR. I thought it was a coming together between two players."
After just one defeat in 12, the fewest goals conceded in the league and sitting in the top four despite multiple injury problems, it's safe to say there are certainly exciting times ahead.
