Eddie Howe reveals funny exchange with Yasir Al-Rumayyan after 'crazy' Newcastle United win
Eddie Howe spoke to chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan after Newcastle United’s 4-3 win over Nottingham Forest.
Newcastle United’s 4-3 win over Nottingham Forest was watched by chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan.
The PIF governor attended a match at St James’ Park for the first time since the 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in September. And he was treated to Premier League classic, although it will have felt like anything but from a Newcastle perspective.
The Magpies fell behind in the sixth minute through Callum Hudson-Odoi’s strike but surged to a 4-1 lead in the space of 11 first-half minutes.
Lewis Miley marked his first Premier League start in 12 months with the equaliser before Jacob Murphy put the home side in front when he bundled home Lewis Hall’s deflected cross.
A handball by Ola Aina was penalised VAR as referee Jarred Gillett went over to the pitchside monitor before pointing to the spot. Alexander Isak converted and added a second a minute later, taking his tally to 21 goals for the campaign.
At full-time, Al-Rumayyan made his way from the directors’ box and into the players’ tunnel.
Eddie Howe managed to catch a brief word with Al-Rumayyan before making his way to the press conference room, where Howe had some choice words to say about the game!
“A couple of swear words from me about the game, I think,” Howe laughed. “But he was in the same emotional place where I was, so it was a nice moment.”
Eddie Howe reacts to Newcastle United’s 4-3 win over Nottingham Forest
Howe was unhappy at the way the second-half unfolded but revealed his delight at the win, which takes Newcastle up to fifth in the league table and three points behind third place Nottingham Forest.
“Crazy game,” Howe said. “Seen the best of us and the worst of us really in the two 45 minutes.
“I thought we were outstanding in that first half, everything that we weren't against Manchester City in our last game - dynamic, fluid, played with speed, intensity. We sprinted.
“Yeah, we attacked really well but we didn't sustain it in the second half. We lost momentum and then couldn't really capture it.”
Howe added: “It's not too bad. You have to give context all the time, especially myself in my position, because it's very easy to be reactive and emotional and negative things.
“I have to stay very middle ground and try and look at it glass half-full. We're in a good position.
“The players have responded really well to a difficult defeat again. And now we go to Anfield, so that's going to be hard enough without any other distractions.”