Howe on 2-2 draw, Tonali injury & Premier League table as Newcastle drop two points
A frustrating final few minutes at St James’ Park saw us draw 2-2 to Spurs and miss out on the opportunity to go into the top half of the Premier League table.
Goals from substitutes Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon, either side of a Cristian Romeo close-range effort, had looked to give us the win, only for Romero's 95th-minute overhead kick to somehow trickle in at the death.
It’s the fourth time we’ve conceded in stoppage time this season, and it's cost us points at home once more, setting up a must-win game at home to Burnley on Saturday.
Speaking after the game, here's what Eddie Howe had to say on the result, performance, our push to climb the Premier League table and Sandro Tonali's withdrawal at the break...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SO00kwLlb2s
On a difficult draw to accept
Tuesday’s result will feel more like two points lost rather than a point gained, as we twice let a lead slip against an out-of-form Spurs side. Reacting to the result, Howe said:
“We’re hugely frustrated with ourselves. We had to work really hard for the first goal and felt in a strong position and relatively comfortable defensively.”
“I thought we were in the ascendancy, we had some good chances, the goal was slow in coming. We battled in the first half, their keeper made a couple of really good saves.”
"Technically, second half, we were not particularly good, especially when leading. One or two quality passes can make the difference. We went the other way, and that contributes to the fact we lost territory. We’ve got to do better and be more savvy.
“It wasn't us at our best today but we battled into a position we wanted, but we couldn't defend that corner at the end. It's a disappointing feeling having worked so hard.”
On Premier League form and opportunity missed
On a missed chance to move up to 7th in the table and opportunity to make it three Premier League wins in a row, Howe revealed his frustration at two dropped points at the death.
"The four performances after the International break have been strong. It was not the high of Everton tonight, but it was still good."We had an opportunity to grab another positive result, and we didn't take it. And when you add that to the other points we've dropped late in games, it's really cost us in our league position.
"There is no denying that those points added back to us would put us in a much stronger position (in the table)."
On fresh injury concern for Tonali
It was a strange game for Sandro Tonali, as despite only returning to the starting XI on Tuesday night, the Italian found himself subbed off at half for Bruno. But now we may know why:
“Sandro took a knock in the first half. I don't quite know the extent of the injury or what type of injury it is.”
Given how much Howe is rotating his midfield options at the moment, with Tonali rested against Everton and Bruno on the bench tonight, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see either Joe Willock and/or Jacob Ramsey given the nod in the Italian’s place at the weekend, which could allow Joelinton some rest as well.
On controversial penalty call
Anthony Gordon grabbed his first league goal of the season after a controversial VAR check saw Dan Burn being handled by Rodrigo Bentancur inside the Spurs box during a corner.
Whilst pundits have been quick to bash the referee’s decision, Howe felt the correct call was made, citing the fact Bentancur wasn’t making any attempt to find, clear or be near the ball during the scuffle.
“I hadn't seen it, I'm only seeing it now. The big thing is he (Bentancur) isn't looking at the ball at all, he's looking at Dan. Then Dan goes down."I think it's probably the right call (to give the penalty)."
