Howe remaining positive as Newcastle’s search for first win goes on

Eddie Howe is adamant that there were positives to take from his first game in the home dugout as Newcastle boss, as he spoke after the Magpies played out a stalemate against relegation rivals Norwich City last night.

Howe’s men’s efforts were hampered early into the first half as long-serving defender Ciaran Clark saw red for a petulant pull back that denied Teemu Pukki a goalscoring opportunity.

The home side reacted well to the sending off and for large portions of the game, were the ones showing the more intent before eventually taking the lead thanks to a Callum Wilson penalty awarded after a Billy Gilmour handball.

As the game reached the latter stages, 10-man Newcastle eventually tired, allowing a previously nullified Norwich into the game as Teemu Pukki ensured the former continue to await their first win of the season through a well-timed volley.

In his post-match interview, Howe hailed his Newcastle players’ response to the early red card blow:

"It wasn’t the ideal start to the game, that’s for sure.I think that was a really difficult moment so early in the match to be down to 10 men but I thought the players responded magnificently.They gave everything, I can’t fault any of them for the effort and commitment they’ve given in the match.It was hugely disappointing we couldn’t get over the line and win the game but I think we saw a really positive sign in terms of resilience and collective spirit, which we’re going to need for what lies ahead.(Via: chroniclelive.co.uk)"

Ciaran Clark’s sending off was inevitably a talking point after the game, but the Republic of Ireland international can only have himself to blame.

"In the cold light of day, I think Ciaran would have taken a different decision but in that moment probably an impulse has just made him stop the striker.These things happen in the game. My immediate reaction was to not focus on that, it was to figure out very quickly what we had to do and try and find a solution to the problem."

Former Bournemouth boss, Howe then explained his decision to reluctantly withdraw Ryan Frazer to bolster his defence.

"Last thing I wanted to do was take Ryan Fraser off the pitch but I felt I needed to do that for the team. Fede came on and I thought he was absolutely magnificent tonight."

Newcastle can’t afford to rest on their laurels as they now turn their attention to another must-win clash against Burnley this weekend, who themselves are looking to escape the drop zone.