Howe hails two unsung heroes & best player on the pitch after 1-0 win vs Man City - Video
Eddie Howe has hailed Paul Dummett's 'outstanding' display in last night's Carabao Cup win over Man City, believing he and Jamaal Lascelles performed superbly at centre-back.
It was the Dummett's first appearance in 13 months and the skipper's first start since March, yet both were rock solid as we kept our fourth clean sheet on the spin and dumped out the European champions. Alexander Isak scored the winner, Bruno and Gordon helped change the game and Livramento was named man of the match, but the pair put in rock solid displays in defence.
The boss revealed that Dummett has been outstanding behind the scenes, where he's set 'exemplary' standards in training, and felt his performance showed exactly why he pushed to keep him on Tyneside for another season.
Howe then shared his delight at Tino Livramento's first start, praising his man of the match display where he kept Jack Grealish quiet and dominated that right-hand side, showing his quality at both ends of the pitch and a terrific engine. He was the best player on the pitch; which is some going in his first competitive start since he suffered that ACL injury in April last year.
The boss also explained why he selected Lewis Miley, who gained 'brilliant experience' despite coming off at the break, and praised Joelinton on his surprise return to action following a knee injury.
Watch what he had to say below, followed by his post-match quotes in full:
Howe on Paul Dummett and Jamaal Lascelles:
“I thought Paul was absolutely outstanding. When you see him behind the scenes every day, his commitment to Newcastle, the professionalism that he shows, his standards have been exemplary since I’ve been here.
“That’s why I was so determined to keep him in the summer – and he can still play an important role on the pitch.
“He’s got real experience and a really good defensive mindset. I thought him and Jamaal, the pair of them, were really, really good for us and I’m delighted that we showed that strength in our back line because it’s going to be hugely important this season.”
Howe on Tino Livramento:
"[He faced] a very difficult opponent in Jack Grealish who is an outstanding player. Defensively he was really good. He looked composed. So very good signs from him. I'm very, very pleased.
"He's trained really well. He's got real competition with Kieran Trippier for Premier League and Champions League time but we're going to have so many games this year. It was such an impressive performance... a great full debut for him."
Howe on Lewis Miley:
"It was a tough first half for us but that will be a brilliant experience for him to reflect on. Sometimes you have a debut that goes perfectly, and that's great - but sometimes one that shows you the challenges of the level you're at.
"He's a player of outstanding talent and real potential. That's why I trusted him to play today - I don't just give opportunities for the sake of it - he's earned it. He'll grow from it."
Howe on Joelinton:
"He was excellent in the second half and epitomised the improvement in the team's performance. For fitness levels and the fact he hasn't trained or played that much in the last few weeks, full credit to him."
