What Eddie Howe said after Newcastle thumped PSV 3-0 in the Champions League

Our hopes of automatic progression to the last 16 of the Champions League remain intact as we swept aside PSV 3-0 at St James’ Park.

Yoane Wissa and Anthony Gordon each capitalised on defensive mistakes to make it 2-0 in the first half, whilst Harvey Barnes continued his own fine form to grab our third of the night.

Now level on both points and goal difference with PSG, we head to the French capital still in need of a big result against the defending champions if we want to make the top 8 and avoid a two-legged playoff tie.

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dS3M4Pbsk5g

On tonight’s big win

After the disappointing draw against Wolves at the weekend, a win on Wednesday night would guarantee at least one more night of Champions League night action at St James’ Park this season.

“Yeah I think a very strong night for us, very good performance from the team, really good performance from certain individuals. Very pleased with the group and the mentality of the team.

“I would say it’s still not our best but close to our very best, and just delighted with the result and the position we’re now in: we’re in a much stronger position for this win."

On Yoane Wissa’s maiden UCL goal

It was no secret that the reason why Yoane Wissa was so keen to join us from Brentford was the golden opportunity to finally play Champions League football for the first time in his career.

“Yeah great moment for Yoane, and I think important for the team that we got that first goal tonight. Really pleased with the formation for it from our pressing and from our energy.

“And I have to pay a compliment to the crowd tonight, because as soon as I walked out, you could feel the energy was different, it was special. I thought that really helped the players so big thank you to everybody.”

On Bruno Guimaraes’ injury

As positive as tonight’s result was, there was yet more bad news for Howe in terms of injuries, as captain Bruno Guimaraes was forced to hobble off the pitch at the very end of the first half after a series of nasty-looking clashes with the PSV players.

“We don’t 100% know yet. He’s obviously in a bit of pain. He asked to come off, which is obviously a worrying sign for any player, especially one who is as big-hearted as Bruno and is usually able to play through most things.

“There’s a little bit of swelling around his ankle having seen him at the end of the game, so I don’t think it’s too bad but obviously a concern.”

On Lewis Miley and the captain’s armband

But where one captain looks unlikely to be available for this weekend’s game against Aston Villa, another one was born.

The SJP crowd erupted in celebration and applause as Kieran Trippier, after his late substitution, passed the armband to Lewis Miley: a moment which even Howe didn’t see coming.

“Yeah an amazing moment for him, I’m sure one he’ll always remember. I mean, it was unscripted, it was Kieran Trippier’s thinking: we were taking Kieran off to protect him, I thought he played very well tonight, very pleased with him.

“I know Lewey’s probably one of the closest players to him, but I think there’s a thought in Kieran’s head there that this is a special moment for a very special young player, and I’m delighted for him and his family.

“Hopefully not (the last time), you never know what happens in football but he’s certainly captain material in the future.”

On optimistic approach against PSG

Next week’s crunch clash against Luis Enrique’s PSG isn’t just an opportunity for us to secure top 8 and an automatic place in the last 16, but an opportunity at exacting some long-awaited revenge for our controversial draw there two seasons ago.

Despite suffering a shock loss to Sporting Lisbon in gameweek 7, PSG are simply a side we cannot take lightly, but Howe seems quietly confident that we can secure a huge result at the Parc Des Princes.

“I think that’s what we’ve got to try and do (make top 8). One step at a time, I think it’s Aston Villa first on our mind now: we’ve become accustomed  to changing focus.

"The Premier League is so important, and that’s a game we will really look forward to, but of course Paris is on the horizon and we know from previous experience what a great place it is to play.

“But I think since our last encounter against them, they’ve got better, so we know it’s gonna be a good one.”