Eddie Howe focuses on defensive positives after Newcastle draw at Everton
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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe during the English Premier League match against Everton, which ended 0-0.
PHOTO: AFP
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LONDON – Eddie Howe praised Newcastle United’s defensive display and rare away clean sheet after the 0-0 English Premier League draw at Everton on Oct 5, as a missed Anthony Gordon penalty denied the visitors all three points.
The Magpies created the better chances and were awarded a first-half spot kick, but Gordon’s poor effort against his former side was saved by fellow England international Jordan Pickford.
It was only their third clean sheet in 32 away Premier League games and Howe chose to focus on that positive.
“I have to credit the players because it is a difficult environment to play in and it is a much better defensive display from us too. Big steps forward,” the Newcastle boss said.
“We stood up to the physical test and were technically very good. I think we are capable of more and we have some tough fixtures to come.
“Anthony will be disappointed with the penalty. But credit to Jordan Pickford for the save.”
With the international break next, Howe is hoping to have forwards Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson back by the time they host Brighton & Hove Albion on Oct 19.
“We hope so. They are two huge players for us. When you take any focal point out of a team it has an impact,” he said.
Everton manager Sean Dyche hailed his side’s resilience, especially as they continue to have several defenders on the sidelines and had midfielder James Garner fill in at right-back for this game.
“We have been patching together teams which has been a hard task,” he said.
“I’m pleased for the back five, I thought they were very good. All things considered we take the point, a positive point.”
Everton had a penalty shout of their own when Dominic Calvert-Lewin appeared to be impeded by defender Dan Burn.
“(Calvert-Lewin) is trying to finish it. Let’s put it this way, if that’s in the middle of the pitch, is he giving a foul? I would say absolutely,” Dyche added.
In another match, West Ham United claimed their first home win in the Premier League under Julen Lopetegui as they beat promoted Ipswich Town 4-1 at the London Stadium on Oct 5.
Michail Antonio swept the Hammers in front inside the opening minute, but their lead did not last long, with Liam Delap firing Ipswich’s equaliser after six minutes.
Mohammed Kudus put West Ham back in front just before half-time. Jarrod Bowen scored the third in the 49th minute and the winger then set up Lucas Paqueta 20 minutes later to put the game out of Ipswich’s reach.
Former Real Madrid coach Lopetegui has endured a disappointing start to his West Ham reign with the fans becoming restless after only one win from their opening six league games.
But his team ran out convincing winners in the end.
“We worked for this. We are happy for the fans to see this team win one match at home,” Lopetegui said.
“It was a hard match, as all the matches in the Premier League are, but we did very well and achieved a good victory.” REUTERS, AFP
