Howe’s response was a shrug and a mystified frown. He was not going to let exterior interference do something to alter his message to his gamers. He remained unruffled and unflustered and so, crucially, did his gamers. The thoughts video games, the makes an attempt to get inside their heads earlier than the sport, didn’t work.
The Magpies have been at their best possible within the first half in opposition to Brighton, storming right into a two purpose lead which ought to have been become three simply after half time when Miguel Almiron missed a golden alternative.
Brighton got here again, they pulled a purpose again and the nerves started to jangle. That’s when Newcastle have been dogged, defiant. The gang stored roaring them on, drained our bodies have been energised. They have been magnificent, on the pitch and within the stands.
They defended for his or her lives and their Champions League futures proper up till the second Callum Wilson scored their third and Bruno Guimarares added a fourth in stoppage time. That stretched Newcastle’s lead over Liverpool in fifth place to 4 factors with two video games every left to play. The Magpies even have a superior purpose distinction of plus seven over Klopp’s males. The stress now belongs on Merseyside forward of their sport in opposition to Aston Villa on the weekend, with Newcastle not enjoying once more till Leicester arrive on Monday evening.
The factor is, Newcastle aren’t actually enjoying with the burden that folks exterior suppose they’re. They didn’t anticipate to qualify for Europe this season, not to mention the Champions League. And they’re already assured a Europa League spot.
The Magpies are thus far forward of schedule due to Howe’s brilliance as supervisor – and as a coach – that they will play with freedom. They’ll get pleasure from this expertise, not be overwhelmed by it. That shone via in opposition to Brighton.
Brighton have been pinned inside their very own half for the primary 45 minutes. Newcastle have been relentless. This was Newcastle at their finest; that is the Newcastle that deserves to be within the prime 4. They have been bodily and athletic, cute and good too. Attacking down each flanks, but additionally seeking to thread passes via the center.
