What Eddie Howe said after Chelsea 0-1 Newcastle - Press conference and key quotes
Newcastle United secured a huge win on Saturday night, with Anthony Gordon’s goal being the difference maker in a 1-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
With both sides looking ahead to crunch Champions League games midweek, whilst also needing to maintain some good Premier League form to stay in contention for European qualification next season, we dealt a hammer blow to the Blues whilst boosting our own hopes come the end of the season.
It was a huge collective effort, but some solid performances from the likes of Malick Thiaw, Lewis Hall, Aaron Ramsdale and Jacob Ramsey were pivotal, and the perfect momentum builder for Wednesday’s game at the Camp Nou.
Here’s what Howe had to say after the game, featuring his full post-match presser and some of the standout quotes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjPgWiT5dzY&t=383s&pp=ygUKZWRkaWUgaG93ZQ%3D%3D
On a massive win
Putting the agonising end to the game against Barcelona behind them, we managed to pick up just our fourth away win of the campaign, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
“That was such an important victory with what we have coming up ahead this week with the two massive games."It's great to go into those games with the good feeling that we have. I thought the mentality, the effort today was very, very good.
“That's back-to-back wins in the Premier League now, which is so important. We'll be in a better place for today and now all eyes are on Barcelona.”
Without key players like Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali at his disposal, Howe expressed his immense satisfaction with the team’s performance, particularly in the defence.
“I think our defensive mentality was key. We were really good off the ball today, in every respect. We rode our luck at times in the second half but with the amount of times we have been hurt this season, I thought we deserved it.
“It was an excellent goal and we were very much in the game. It was a great pass from Tino Livramento to slip in Joe Willock and very unselfish from Joe to pick out Anthony Gordon.”
On ending Stamford Bridge curse
Stamford Bridge hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for us over the years, with our last win against the Blues on the road coming close to 15 years ago.
“Yeah, as I said on Friday, I wasn't aware the record was that bad here for us, so it's nice to end that and get the win on so many levels today.“Yeah, it gives us huge belief. I think we needed to win today to give us any chance of winning in Barcelona and progressing through the Champions League. It's such a difficult game, but you need that confidence that winning gives you.”
On shift in mentality and fitness
From the very first minute, you could see how much the team was fighting for all three points, and Howe felt that our athleticism levels have got back to their best in recent games after four wins in our last five away games.
“I think, of course, we've analysed our away form almost as much as you have, I think. I'd probably say our athleticism's returned.“I think we've had really, really good physical returns on the road recently, and I think that's helped our results. I think that's always been the hallmark of what we've done over the years.
“We try to really compete athletically. I think you have to away from home, and today I thought our quick players really sprinted and gave them problems, so I'd say that's probably been the biggest difference.”
On Sandro Tonali’s absence
After the injury bug forced Jacob Ramsey off against Everton and also took Nick Woltemade out of contention earlier this month, Sandro Tonali was the latest player to be taken away from Howe due to illness in recent weeks.
Howe however was optimistic that the Italian international will recover quickly and be back in time for both the Barcelona game and the Tyne-Wear derby.
“Fingers crossed it follows a similar pattern with the other illnesses we've had and it is a quick recovery."There has been something going around now for two or three weeks in the squad and hopefully this is the same.”
