Eddie Howe reflects on what happened at St James’ Park – Newcastle 2 Brentford 1 | OneFootball

Eddie Howe has been reflecting on Wednesday night at St James’ Park.

Honest as ever, the United boss analysing Newcastle 2 Brentford 1.

Not a vintage performance but one full of character.

Newcastle maybe not at their best but creating more and better chances and scoring a great team goal and stunning winner!

United deservedly the winners in the end, although Brentford also showed why they had won their last five Premier League away matches, playing some quality football, with a threat.

Eddie Howe and his Newcastle United players with a significant victory, potential Champions League qualification now in their own hands.

Eddie Howe reflecting on Newcastle 2 Brentford 1:

“It wasn’t pretty.

“I don’t think we played as well as we did against Liverpool.

“Sandro Tonali has a thunderbolt of a strike when he does go for goal.

“I am mightily relieved to see that hit the net.

“Always after the international break, the games are different.

“We had players in different physical moments and we looked to have picked up a few minor injuries but hopefully nothing to keep anyone out of the next game.

“We are relieved to come through with the three points.”

Eddie Howe on Sandro Tonali:

“I have seen Sandro practising them in the last couple of weeks….from that type of angle.

“Let me say one thing, he can hit a ball like no one.

“When he strikes it, I fear for our goalkeepers’ wrists, because he hits it so hard.

“I wouldn’t put it past him meaning that and it was a big moment in the game because we needed that moment. The game was pretty much in the balance, a big moment in our season.

“I think Sandro has done really well since returning from suspension, he trained very well during his ban, he was outstanding with his attitude.

“He really saw it as a chance to develop his game, he spent a long time on the training pitch doing that.

“Without 11 v 11 work, or match action, that is very difficult to do.

“I think in fairness we have also seen a big uplift since he has changed position.

“I think that was maybe a turning point in his career here.

“I think he looks a lot more comfortable in the position he is playing now.

“I have to say that defensively, I think he has been outstanding for us, with his athleticism and ability to read danger.

“That has been of the highest level and it goes without saying, technically he is very good.

“He makes very good decisions on the pitch consistently and that’s what makes him the player he is.

“Not necessarily outstanding moments, but when you add them together, a very forceful performance from midfield.”

Eddie Howe on Alexander Isak:

“You are defined by your ability to score goals in this league.

“Your attacking players really have to take on that responsibility.

“I think he has done that unbelievably well since he’s been here, not easy to do.

“I don’t think this was his finest game and I don’t think he will be surprised at me saying that, but he was right place, right time, maybe got a bit of luck with the finish.

“But he has done that consistently, always in the right place.

“I think on another day he would have scored more, but I don’t think he was one hundred per cent, so that is why we withdrew him. We hope that it’s nothing too serious but he just wasn’t feeling one hundred per cent in his groin.

“He was just a little bit unsure in his movement and so that’s why we withdrew him.”

Eddie Howe on Kieran Trippier:

“He said that it was like a cramp sensation in his groin.

“We hope it’s nothing serious.

“We have got a few niggles and we just hope they are nothing serious.

“We have such a small squad, as you could see from our bench, so we can’t afford to pick up any more injuries.”

Eddie Howe on Joelinton:

“I think Joe epitomises the mentality that we need.

“It is win at all costs.

“He is always there for you in training, he is always there for me.

“He’s a standard bearer in that respect and you need players like that, to set the example for everyone else to follow.

“I think his knee was causing him a bit of discomfort today, it is the knee that he has suffered from before.

“I don’t think he was one hundred per cent fit but it would have taken a lot for Joe to have come off the pitch.

“We need to assess every little niggle we have and make sure everyone is okay for Monday.”

Newcastle 2 Brentford 1 – Wednesday 2 April 7.45pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Isak 45+2, Tonali 74

Brentford:

Mbeuno 66 pen

Possession was Newcastle 48% Brentford 52%

Total shots were Newcastle 21 Brentford 12

Shots on target were Newcastle 4 Brentford 3

Corners were Newcastle 4 Brentford 5

Touches in the box Newcastle 35 Brentford 37

Newcastle team v Brentford:

Pope, Trippier (Krafth 89), Schar, Burn, Livramento, Joelinton, Tonali, Bruno, Barnes (Miley 98), Isak (Wilson 66), Murphy (Willock 66)

Unused subs:

Dubravka, Shahar, Longstaff, Osula, Neave

(Match Report – Either a celebration of all things Newcastle, or a crashing reality check… Read HERE)

(Newcastle 2 Brentford 1 – Match ratings and comments on all the Newcastle United players – Read HERE)