Howe reacts to 1-0 win vs Brentford - Discusses performance, relief, penalty and three Mags
Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media following our 1-0 win over Brentford at St James' Park, describing it as a 'massive three points' against a tough Brentford side.
He accepts we never really got into our 'full rhythm' in what proved to be a 'bitty game', but has hailed our defensive display and the grit shown to see the match out.
Howe felt Harvey Barnes and Elliot Anderson 'did really well' on their first starts of the season, praised Callum Wilson's character to score from the spot and believes it was a penalty after Anthony Gordon was taken out by the Brentford goalkeeper.
Speaking to the BBC and Sky Sports after the game, he started with this in reaction to the win:
"Big result for us. Difficult game today, knew it was gonna be. Brentford are a difficult team to play against. It wasn't a game of many chances didn't think, thankfully we got the important goal we needed.
"I don't think we were in full rhythm today but that's what Brentford do, they disrupt you. It was a bitty game for us, we had to set-pieces right, crosses right and defensively I was very pleased with us today.
Howe on the 'relief' of bouncing back from three-straight defeats:
"I think there was a lot of relief in our emotions at the end. It wasn't a fantastic performance from us but it was a determined one, a gritty one. It was one that wanted to show our response from the Brighton performance. I think we've seen that, a clean sheet, a massive three points, and now we can move forward.
"When you're manager of this football club you can't lose games on a consistent basis, it can't become a habit. We are determined to bounce back from the three defeats and that's the Premier League, there's no easy fixtures.
"Today was a tricky one for us, Brentford are a really good team. We stayed in the game and in the second half we were a lot better. I'm really pleased with the focus, we know how important the Premier League is for us.
"I only look at the next game and pick the team to win that. Whether the team changes for Tuesday night (against AC Milan) who knows."
Howe on the penalty decision:
"I did think it was a penalty I thought Anthony Gordon was taken out by the keeper. I've not had the benefit of replays but my instinct says it's a penalty."
Howe on Elliot Anderson and Harvey Barnes:
"I think they did really well. I'm happy Elliot got to start today because he deserved it. Harvey came into the team, performed well. They both did well in the international break and I have no problem putting them in."
Howe on Callum Wilson's winner and new one-year extension:
"He took it beautifully today. He went for height, which is sometimes risky, but I've got no doubts with Cal.
"He is a leader in the group, a vocal presence, a positive guy and a goalscorer. Put them together and he's very important so I'm very happy he's staying with us."
