Eddie Howe cites two key areas where Newcastle excelled in Brentford drubbing; namechecks star duo

Eddie Howe was delighted with the intensity that Newcastle showed in thrashing Brentford and felt two players in particular stood out.

The Magpies picked up just their second top-flight victory of the season when beating Fulham 4-1 at Craven Cottage last Saturday. And they made it nine goals in two games with a comprehensive 5-1 mauling of the Bees at St James’ Park. Bruno Guimaraes’ superb header gave the hosts a 21st-minute lead before Jacob Murphy doubled the advantage on 28 minutes.

It was 2-0 at half time but former Newcastle striker Ivan Toney halved the deficit from the penalty spot on 54 minutes.

However, Guimaraes’ second strike just two minutes later put daylight between the sides once again. Miguel Almiron and an Ethan Pinnock own goal completed the rout.

The result sees the Tynesiders move up to fifth in the top-flight standings. And Howe was happy with how his charges stuck to their task to get the job done.

“We were pleased with today. It as a really tough game and we knew they would make it difficult for us,” he told Sky Sports. “We had a slow start but responded to that with the first goal and that changed it for us.

“We have had a number of injuries, we have managed to ride that storm. Hopefully a very good day for us.”

Quality star has Howe gushing

It has taken a while for Newcastle to start moving up the table. Tipped for a possible top-four challenge before a ball had been kicked, they have struggled to get over the line in many matches.

Five draws have hampered their progress but the men in black and white have remained solid throughout.

Only Liverpool have beaten them in the league this term. And that took a 98th-minute goal by Fabio Carvalho at Anfield.

It has been a collective effort that has helped Newcastle to where they now are. But the manager felt one of his Brazilian stars, Guimaraes, warranted a special mention.

“He was outstanding. we really missed him when he was out,” he told BBC Sport. “Quality player who helps us in every phase.”

Penny dropping as Howe tactics pay off

Newcastle have recruited well since the Saudi-backed takeover. They have strengthened all over the pitch and there is a feelgood factor back at the club.

The players appear to have bought into the boss’s tactical plans. And he was pleased with how they carried out his instructions to notch their third win.

“If you look where the goals came from today our intensity and pressing, we forced them into errors and we got rewarded for that,” he continued. “Overall a great day for us.”

Almiron bagged his fourth goal of the campaign and has already equalled his best return in a Premier League season.

And Howe insists it is the final piece of the puzzle for a player who has always given his all for the cause.

“It is all about building consistency to his game but he has performed brilliantly off the ball and now he is adding goals to that,” he said.

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