Eddie Howe on Ipswich win, final four games and Jason Tindall suspension
Newcastle United kept themselves well in contention for a champions league spot after their 3-0 win over Ipswich on Saturday afternoon.
Goals from Isak, Burn and Osula proved the difference, as we moved into 3rd in the Premier League table before Sunday’s fixtures.
Here’s what Eddie Howe had to say on his return to St James’ Park and the team’s performance:
On being back at St James’ Park
Saturday afternoon parked the first time in close to a fortnight that Howe was in the dugout, having been hospitalised with pneumonia just prior to the 4-1 win over Man Utd.
The gaffer praised the great result and atmosphere, and looked forward to being back to his usual self in the coming weeks.
“Well, it was great with the result. It makes a big difference.
“I was lacking in energy today, so Jason Tindall took most of the reins from the touchline. Obviously my ability to shout is reduced, but I’m just pleased that I was able to lead the team and be back out where I love to be.”
“It was unlike me today, I was more withdrawn, and that was through really lacking in energy, and the ability to stand up for long periods.”
“But Jason and I can obviously give messages too, and hopefully by next week I’ll be and full steam.”
On being back to winning ways
After a slight stumble in the race for UCL qualification following on from last weekend’s loss to Villa, the win against Ipswich marked our 20th win in our last 26 games in all competitions.
Howe viewed the game as a much-needed positive response to fans and critics alike that we’re still very much one of the form teams in the league.
“We needed a response from last week, and that was painful to take. We knew that we’ve done well at that this season, responding to difficult moments, it was a real character test against a difficult opponent.”
“I thought we navigated the game very well, good experience and character from the group.”
On the side’s attacking mentality
The first half hour made the game seem like it would be a bit more of a struggle than we anticipated.
But Ipswich defender Ben Johnson’s pair of yellow cards for a dive and then a cynical foul on Isak proved to be the game-changer, as we soon pushed for more goals.
“It is difficult, we’ve been the 10 against the 11 and won games, so we were very respectful of the game still being in the balance, and you have to do the right things to get over the line.”
“Of course the penalty was key to get the first goal, but for me, we needed to be very attack-minded in the second half. We wanted to score more goals, that was the intention.
“So we were making substitutions to try and get more goals. I think that was the key aspect, it was to force Ipswich back and keep them very much in their own half.”
On Osula’s maiden Magpie league goal
Since signing from Sheffield United back in the summer, striker William Osula had only found the net in the cup competitions.
But after coming on late in the second half, the Dane made an instant impact by heading home from Trippier’s excellent corner, with Howe delighted for the youngster to grab his first league goal for us.
“Really pleased for him, because that is a breakthrough moment really for him. That first goal gives you everything, it gives you the confidence and belief to say you can do it again.”
“But not only the goal, the manner in which it came: it was a great header, you know he has the tools - he’s 6’3”, he is tall and athletic, he does get headed chances but to see him execute it in that way because it was quite a long way out. It was really pleasing.”
On the final four games left to play
After Aston Villa’s loss against Manchester City earlier in the week, plus our strong points and goal difference advantage over Chelsea, we control our own destiny in regards to Champions League qualification.
Only Brighton, Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton are left to play in this campaign, which Howe describes as being four huge fixtures.
“Really pleased with the players. They’re all tough games, Ipswich set up very well, very solid defensively, so we had to be patient to break them down.”
“It does (feel like every game’s a cup final). I think it’s a cliche but I think with four games to go, you’re ticking down the games.”
“We’re in a good position, we’ve put ourselves back in a strong position where we want to be, but we know it can change very quickly. There’s a number of teams in and around us. So yeah, four huge games ahead.”
On Jason Tindall’s suspension
Just when things looked like they’ll be returning to normal in the dugout, assistant coach Jason Tindall was shown his third yellow card of the season, resulting in a one game suspension.
On an afternoon of some questionable referee decisions, Howe seemed confused by the card.
“It baffles me why, to be honest, because I was right there and I saw and heard everything."
