Howe upbeat but admits key Newcastle target as Arsenal taunts ignored
Eddie Howe does not agree that it is all doom and gloom at Newcastle United and is adamant he has the squad to keep the club in the Premier League.
The 43-year-old is now in the St James’ Park hotseat after replacing Steve Bruce in the job. He inherited a side yet to win in the top flight this term, and that is still the case. The former Bournemouth chief is now out of isolation after contracting Covid-19.
And he was in the Magpies dugout for the first time as his charges took on Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday. But things did not turn out as he hoped as the Gunners ran out 2-0 winners in north London.
Following a goalless first half, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli found the net after the break. Arsenal are now fifth in the standings and continue to impress after a poor start to 2021-2022.
Newcastle’s takeover means they are now considered as one of the richest clubs in the world. But they are unable to strengthen the squad until January when a few big-name signings should arrive.
The home fans taunted Howe and his team during the match, suggesting they might be rich but are still not very good. They sit bottom of the standings and are six points from safety.
However, Howe has hit back at the naysayers and believes he has seen enough to suggest they will not be relegated.
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“I don’t agree with that. I’ve seen the dressing room and we’ve got some very good players here,” he said, per The Mail. “We’re lacking in confidence, naturally, through not winning a game this season. We must stay committed as we were today.”
Howe pleased with Newcastle response
It has been a disastrous campaign for the north-east outfit. The euphoria of Mike Ashley’s exit has been replaced by the stark reality of the club’s parlous situation.
But Howe was happy with the mindset of his men throughout the contest.
“I thought the attitude of the players, even when we were trailing 2-0, meant we were very good in the last period,” he added. “We can only do our talking on the pitch and try and fight back.”
Newcastle’s next chance to finally take three points is against fellow strugglers Norwich City on Tuesday evening. And Howe is not hiding from the fact that it is a massive encounter.
“Everyone connected with the club wants to get that first win as quickly as possible,” he continued.
“We have to look at our next game as an important game. They all are. We have to give everything in the game to try and win it.
“It’s difficult enough when scrapping for points and if it becomes a big deficit it becomes very difficult. Everyone connected with the club wants to get that first win as quickly as possible.”
READ MORE: Newcastle boss Eddie Howe wants three-time Premier League winner in January
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