Eddie Howe reacts - Full quotes on "massive win", Chelsea battle and big moments

St James’ Park collectively breathed a sigh of relief at full time on Sunday afternoon, as we earned a vital three points in a 2-0 win over Chelsea.

Goals from Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes bookended a tense 90 minutes on Tyneside, but has put in the driving seat to secure a Champions League spot for next season.

Here’s what Eddie Howe had to say after the huge win:

On a massive win and today’s performance

Reacting to the victory after the full-time whistle, Howe said: "A massive win for us, and we knew that, of course, before the game, we knew the importance.

"It's so tight, that [win] will put us in a stronger position, but it's still very tight and two games to keep our focus and to try and get as many points as we can."

We all knew heading into today’s game that it would be a tight contest, and that even one mistake could prove costly.

Even with Nicholas Jackson being sent off for the Blues, it was a war of attrition against Chelsea where both teams had opportunities, with Newcastle dominating the first half before a stressful second 45.

“Yeah pretty much summed it up: I thought the first half we were really really good, we were very pleased. Sending off changed the game, and with the scoreline as it was, it was a tricky second half for us mentally because we wanted to go and attack.”

“But on the pitch, Chelsea changed things and made it difficult for us tactically, so congratulations to them. But we hung in there, and I think did really well there mentally in the second half.”

On today’s tactical battle vs Enzo Maresca

Today saw Howe return to the unorthodox but trusted five-at-the-back formation, whilst Chelsea fielded a rare unchanged XI in what proved to be a true battle of tactics between both managers.

“I probably enjoyed the first half more than the second: second half was stressful, we were making changes.”

“Obviously we started in the way we did, and we looked comfortable until the second half when they tweaked things.”

“But I’m pleased with how we defended, Nick’s (Pope) made two magnificent saves for us, you can’t forget that, the part he’s played in the win today. We got over the line and that’s the major thing from today.”

On player mentality and the atmosphere

Heading into a must-win game, it was crucial for the Toon faithful to play their part in backing the team, and the crowd certainly delivered, with the players looking mentally strong and ready for the challenge ahead.

“It’s a massive thing, because the way we play has to fit the culture of the club, and it has to fit what the supporters want: they want fast, attacking, aggressive football. They want to see their team always wanting to score, and that’s perfect for me.”

“I love to try and give them what they want, and the start today was amazing. The atmosphere was everything we hoped it would be, and the players then delivered.”

On Tonali’s total performance

Whilst Dan Burn was awarded today’s Player of the Match award, and Nick Pope popped up with some perfect saves, Sandro Tonali was once again sublime in centre midfield.

Recognising Tonali’s performance today, Howe was full of praise: “His athleticism is brilliant in both phases, attacking and defending.

“I’d love to say that’s something we’ve worked on with him getting in the box, but today he was playing a slightly different role with Bruno that wasn’t something we necessarily planned for.”

On yet another Murphy assist

Providing an assist for Tonali’s opener, Jacob Murphy notched up his 20th goal contribution in the Premier League this season with two games still to play.

Only two ex-Mags have ever assisted more in Nolberto Solano and Andy Cole over a single Premier League season.

On the player’s career-best campaign, Howe commented: “I think when you begin a relationship with a player it’s a two way thing, you express what you want and then you hope they can deliver it.

“And Jacob’s not only done that, but he’s also invested in himself and really bought into what we’ve asked him to do.”

“The personal development he’s shown is all down to him, with help from us, he’s just been a great, great person to work with.”

“A sponge for knowledge, wants to know things, wants to get better, and it’s a real testament to that.”