Howe’s press conference after 2-0 win at Man Utd - Well worth a watch!
Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media following Monday night’s massive win over Manchester United.
It’s our first at Old Trafford in 11 years and seals the perfect end to 2024, with goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton making it five wins on the spin in all competition.
Here’s what Howe had to say when speaking to the media after the match.
Howe hails “electric” start
“It was an electric start for us. For half an hour I thought we were really good,” Howe said when reflecting on our superb opening 20 minutes.
"We have had a really good look about us, a strong, confident team and I am happy we were able to continue that at a ground that hasn't been kind to Newcastle over the years. It is a big win psychologically."
https://youtu.be/QJbO80gxmmY?si=CvZlwK4vDX6J1kL5
“You can look at different games at different opportunities: every game is difficult in the Premier League. The standard is so high, you make one mistake, you get punished. So it looks like a routine win, 2-0, but it wasn’t, it was hard work.”
“We had to get all the details right, and I was really pleased with the start of the game, because scoring here early and bringing our intention to the game was so important, so well done to the players for delivering that.”
When asked about just what his players got right tonight, Howe added: “Well you have to get everything right: off the ball, on the ball, you have to get your structure correct.”
”And as I say, the players have to be ready to take this moment: an opportunity that we presented that was here tonight. And that’s in any game, every game’s an opportunity to win, that’s how we look at it.”
“But you’ve got to bring your best selves to do it. And too many times this season we’ve conceded the first and made it difficult for us.
”Lately we’ve been the beneficiary of that.We’ve been the team that’s started with the right intention, and we benefited from that today.”
Howe issues Botman and Krafth update
With Fabian Schar now suspended for the upcoming games against Tottenham and Arsenal (cup), Howe also hinted that Sven Botman could potentially be “in and around” the squad for both fixtures.
It’s emerged that the Dutchman only missed out at Man Utd due illness, so it’ll be interesting to see if he features at Spurs on Saturday now Schar’s fifth yellow card of the season has seen him pick up a one-game ban.
Sadly, one player who won’t be returning against Spurs or Arsenal is Emil Krafth, as Howe told reporters after the game that the Swede won’t be back in time following a collarbone issue.