Eddie Howe reveals what gave his Newcastle players ‘enormous pleasure’ after taking down Everton

Eddie Howe hailed the collective effort from his Newcastle United side as they secured a 1-0 victory over Everton at St James’ Park.

The Magpies made it three wins from four top-flight games as Miguel Almiron bagged his fifth goal of the campaign. The Paraguay international curled home from 25 yards to further enhance his reputation on Tyneside. The north-east outfit are now unbeaten in six games and continue to push for a top-four place.

It was a game of few clear-cut chances. But Howe praised his charges for the way they stuck to their task to earn all three points.

“The performance was very good, in a different way to how we have been at times this season,” he told BBC Sport.

“It wasn’t free-flowing football, it was a very competitive game, a lot of fight in midfield, very physical. I am delighted with character shown and how we defended as a team.”

And the former Bournemouth chief felt keeping a clean sheet would give his men another shot in the arm.

“For the whole team that should give them enormous pleasure because that was a real team performance today,” he added.

“We defended our goal and goalkeeper very well. Everton are a strong team. They put a lot of balls into our box, a lot of direct play, and we had to deal with that.”

Howe sees positives with Almiron display

Miguel Almiron has looked a different player with Howe at the helm. He has turned opportunities into goals and scored another superb one on Wednesday night.

But Howe feels there is much more to his game than just finding the back of the net.

“Confidence is the main starting point. He has scored some spectacular goals in my time here and today’s was right up there,” he added.

“He is playing very well with and without the ball. He has always worked very hard for the team. It is good to see him get individual recognition for all that work.”

Howe hails Magpies fans

The Saudi-backed takeover has helped bring the feelgood factor back to St James’ Park.

Devoid of any real hope during the Mike Ashley era, there is now optimism that Newcastle can compete with the top teams once again.

And Howe acknowledged just how important the supporters are.

“It is so important that we enhance that. We try to show our appreciation (for the fans),” he continued. “We know it costs a lot of time and money. They have to give a lot of that to support us.

“My expectation is that we continue to give our all in every game. The margins between success and failure are very small.

“If we keep giving what we are I think we will have a successful season.”

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