Newcastle's Away Triumph Silences Doubts Over Eddie Howe's Future
Could it be that Newcastle United are now better suited to playing away from home? After back-to-back defeats at St James' Park and boos from their own fans at the weekend, this away day felt liberating for the Magpies. Playing with freedom, purpose, and aggression, Eddie Howe's side produced a performance when their head coach needed it most.
After goals from Malick Thiaw and Jacob Ramsey secured just a third away win of the season—halting a run of six matches without victory—Howe was serenaded by the travelling fans on full-time. Their roar silenced some of the noise surrounding his future at the club.
Howe's Tactical Gamble Pays Off
For the second Premier League away game running, Howe started with his three strikers on the bench: Nick Woltemade, Yoane Wissa, and Will Osula. This was a controversial call for some, given Newcastle had never won with Anthony Gordon at centre-forward. Yet, it proved to be the right decision.
When asked about the striker situation on the eve of the game, Howe hinted at what was to follow. He said, 'I've got to be honest, it's not quite functioned fully yet, with the players mentioned.' Wissa is not fully fit, and Woltemade is not the right fit, especially away from home. Gordon offers mobility and a nuisance factor, as he demonstrated at Liverpool last month.
His role in Newcastle's winning goal, scurrying into the area and teeing up Jacob Ramsey, proved his value and direct threat from central areas. It may seem a mystery why £140 million worth of centre-forward talent is not being used when Howe admits the team is struggling for goals, but here was the justification: winger Anthony Gordon is currently the club's best striker.
Bloodthirsty Toon Get Their Reward
For most of the first half, it felt like Newcastle had travelled back in time to August—playing very well without a recognised frontman but unable to score. This had all the hallmarks of their opening day stalemate at Aston Villa. However, in the 44th minute, Joe Willock scored what looked like a well-earned opener, only for VAR to rule him offside by the narrowest of margins.
Newcastle suddenly found belief. The manner in which they went after Tottenham in first-half stoppage-time with a bloodthirsty relish found its reward when Malick Thiaw forced home a goal in the 50th minute. Given Newcastle have been at their most vulnerable of late when scoring, this was a savvy ploy, netting just before the whistle to secure momentum.
Summer Signing Finally Delivers
Match-winner Jacob Ramsey celebrated with great enthusiasm, and so he might, after scoring his first goal since his £40 million summer arrival. His name has featured prominently in recent weeks during inspections of Newcastle's close-season transfer activity, which has not impacted as Howe would have hoped. The head coach readily admits as much.
But Ramsey was the box-to-box midfield turbo his manager wants and expects. This was his best Premier League performance for the club by a significant distance, showcasing the energy and drive that Newcastle have been missing in midfield.
Old Boys Deliver Dogged Display
Starting with Kieran Trippier, 35, and Dan Burn, 33, at right-back and left-back respectively felt like a gamble, given one of Tottenham's few assets is pace in wide areas. Twice inside six minutes, the hosts dropped balls into space behind Burn, but their final execution was poor.
The solution for Newcastle was in reversing the direction of play. Aged full-backs cannot be exposed if you do not allow the opposition to attack, and so, for the remainder of the opening half, they played on the front foot with energy and adventure.
The second-half equaliser they conceded came from a corner, and goalkeeper Nick Pope should have been stronger. But as a defensive display, this was Newcastle's most dogged for a long time. The old boys led the way, resisting with the nastiness and know-how that was once Newcastle's calling card. On so many levels, Howe must hope this victory can help rediscover some good habits and build momentum for the rest of the season.
