Eddie Howe makes big Newcastle United atmosphere statement after stunning Arsenal scenes

Eddie Howe was blown away by the atmosphere during Newcastle United’s 2-0 win against Arsenal.

And the Magpies head coach was quick to pay tribute to supporters after a special night at St James’ Park.

Wor Flags, as brilliant as they have been, surpassed expectations with their stunning pre-match display.

Those in the Leazes Stand held up foil to create the iconic ‘Blue Star’ that adorned Newcastle shirts during the 1980s and 1990s.

Flags with ‘United’ in gold lettering were shown across the East Stand, while the Gallowgate End was quite the sight.

With the stand covered in black and white foil, a banner display one of the popular dressing room photos with Newcastle United Football Club either side.

It was a night supporters and Howe won’t forget for a long time as United cruised to victory over top four chasing Arsenal to round off their 2021/22 home campaign.

‘The atmosphere was something I’ve not really experienced before’

“(I’m) very, very proud to be connected with the club,” Howe told reporters during his post-match press conference.

“An incredible thanks from me to the supporters for how they have handled a very difficult situation this year.

“When you think back to Cambridge and Watford, how they reacted after those games was absolutely magnificent and I think that paved the way for us to build some confidence, some unity and the spirit that we needed to go on the brilliant run we’ve been on.

“The support tonight was absolutely incredible. The atmosphere around the stadium was something I’ve not really experienced before. A big thank you to them.”

‘A huge weapon for us’

Asked about the St James’ Park crowd, Howe added: “That’s a huge weapon for us. We have to use as much as we can. We have to inspire our crowd.

“We have to have the supporters come to the ground desperate to see us play and desperate to know what’s going to happen in the match and almost guarantee a team that’s going all out to win the game by playing the way we want too.

“You saw that from the team today. We were very front foot but not just for fragmented sections of the game but near enough the whole match.

“An amazing physical effort from the players but a very high delivery of our tactical game plan as well. You have to compliment the group on that.”

An own goal from Ben White broke the deadlock on Tyneside before Bruno Guimaraes added a second five minutes from full-time.