‘We’re trying’ - Eddie Howe gives Newcastle United players strict orders before West Ham clash
Eddie Howe has challenged his Newcastle United stars to win a third consecutive Premier League game for the first time since September 2023.
Back-to-back triumphs over Arsenal and Nottingham Forest have reignited Newcastle’s season following a stuttering start. Knocking Chelsea out of the Carabao Cup to book a quarter-final date with Brentford also evoked renewed optimism around Tyneside.
Next weekend sees the Magpies welcome top-flight strugglers West Ham United to St James’ Park. The Hammers are yet to impress since appointing Julen Lopetegui as David Moyes’ successor over the summer.
Three points against West Ham could propel Newcastle into the Champions League places. The last time the Magpies won three in a row was 14 months ago with a 2-0 home triumph over Burnley.
Howe acknowledged the “difficult period” United have overcome during the club’s mid-season trip to Saudi Arabia. Newcastle are undertaking warm-weather training to alleviate fitness and cardiovascular concerns ahead of a busy winter period - and their manager has set a bold target for this weekend.
“We’re really keen to do that (win three on the bounce).,” he told Newcastle’s media channel. “That’s going to be the key to this year with how the Premier League is forming. At an early stage, it looks like a very tight league with few points between teams.
“Teams who can put those runs together will put themselves in a great position. We’re trying to do that, along with a number of other teams.
“If we can get our third win, and it sounds like a long time since we’ve done it, we’ll have achieved a great feat. Confidence is building. We were in a difficult period but I always believe we will get rewarded in the end (for improved performances).”