EDDIE HOWE feels Newcastle United’s aggressive front-foot style was a key factor in their win at West Ham – but claims his side can only adopt his preferred approach because of the athletic qualities within his squad.
Newcastle were aggressive and purposeful from the off at the London Stadium last night, pushing West Ham back and forcing a series of errors that eventually led to goals.
Then, when they had established an advantage in the second half, they remained on the front foot and poured forward in search of further goals, with their positive approach eventually resulting in the 5-1 victory that enabled them to move three points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham in the battle for Champions League qualification.
Howe said: “It’s been a big part of our play all season, and with that comes a big physical cost. It’s also a lot of mental energy, so the players deserve a lot of credit for being able to deliver that again.
“It’s the style of play that we believe in, and I think we have the athletes to deliver it as well. I don’t think there’s any point trying to deliver that style of play if you don’t have the athletic capabilities to implement it.
“So full credit to the players for how they’ve delivered that. Again, I thought it was a key part of our victory.”
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The most obvious example of Newcastle’s high press paying dividends was when Jacob Murphy robbed Nayef Aguerd of possession in the West Ham penalty area in the opening minute of the second half.
Murphy capitalised on the Moroccan centre-half’s poor control, and squared for Callum Wilson to score his second goal of the game.
Howe said: “When you’re 2-1 up away from home, it’s very to sink deep and be reactive rather than proactive. But Jacob delivered a really good press and forced an error.
“We believe in that way of playing, but the most impressive thing from that phase of play, for me, was his decision to roll the ball across to Callum to tap it in. It would have been very easy to take the selfish view or lose track of the team aspect. But Jacob didn’t disappoint.”
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