Newcastle manager Eddie Howe was pleased with his side’s battling performance in their 1-1 draw against Manchester City at St. James’ Park.
After a disappointing result last week against Fulham, the Magpies showed an incredible amount of determination to earn a hard-fought point against the Premier League champions.
Josko Gvardiol put the visitors ahead early on, placing into the far corner and past Nick Pope before Anthony Gordon won and converted a penalty in the second half.
Speaking to BBC’s Match of the Day after the match, Howe expressed his delight at how his side reacted.
He said: “We are happy, especially after last week. That was a good display, that was us playing our way, brave.
“It was two teams going right at each other for probably 70 minutes.
“Last 20 minutes they were stronger than us and we had to defend really well to maintain the point.
“We wanted to impose our style on them.”
“We aim to close the gap on teams like Man City.”
Eddie Howe was proud Newcastle’s display against Man City ⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/gLgwPM8wsL
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 28, 2024
“We got into really good crossing areas and I was really pleased with how we were off the ball and how we attacked the game.
“I can’t ask for much more than that, the lads gave everything.”
Gordon led the line in an unfamiliar role up front, with Alexander Isak out injured.
His work rate was key to winning the penalty and the Toon boss was full of praise for the England international.
He added: “I’ve said he is capable of doing the role. The highlight for me today was his energy and his running.
“He led the line really well and really pleased that he got his goal. Well deserved.
“It’s difficult to define how people react in certain situations. There is always going to be a lift here, especially against the opponent.
“There’s a fear factor, you know you have to perform well or it could be very difficult.
“The challenge for us is to find that consistency and that’s what we are working towards.”
