Eddie Howe reacts to Newcastle United win - and Yoane Wissa Premier League debut
Newcastle United beat Burnley 2-1 in the Premier League at St James’ Park.
A win is a win, but Newcastle United are making a real habit of making things difficult for themselves.
After dropping two needless points on Tuesday v Tottenham Hotspur, they contrived to almost do the same again against Burnley, almost surrendering a two-goal lead to Scott Parker’s men.
Bruno Guimaraes gave the Magpies the lead with a remarkable goal direct from a corner kick before Anthony Gordon netted a penalty, his fourth of the season on the stroke of half time. Ten-man Burnley then grabbed a late penalty back after a Jacob Ramsey handball before a nervy end saw the Magpies hang on to climb to 10th, albeit temporarily.
Eddie Howe reacts to Newcastle United win
Eddie Howe said: “It was a bizarre ending because we looked like were home at 2-0.
“One goal can always change things and then the penalty happens. The extra man advantage then goes out of the window and you have to see that bit out.
“It was a sluggish start. Bruno got us a goal from a corner, we went 2-0 up and I was hoping for a really vibrant second half but it didn't happen.
“We didn't do well in right areas, we didn't do enough in the second half to break them down. Credit to Burnley and how they defended.
“It's 10 points out of 12. Let's try and be positive rather than negative.”
Eddie Howe on Yoane Wissa’s Newcastle United debut v Burnley
He said: “It's good for him and it's good for us. There is a lot more to come from him. He's building his fitness up. It's good to give him some minutes today and he'll benefit form that.
“It wasn't our best performance but we got a win and it's 10 points out of 12. We're moving in the right direction.
“We've got a lot of massive games on the horizon. We now go back to the Champions League. There are big incentives for us to do well in this game. Sunderland on the horizon will be a massive game.”
More Eddie Howe quotes to follow...