Eddie Howe is looking ahead with optimism as he reflects on Newcastle United's current progress, acknowledging that his squad has evolved significantly from the one that finished in a remarkable fourth place two seasons ago. The Magpies' 3-0 win over Aston Villa on Thursday, their fourth consecutive victory, has propelled them into fifth place in the Premier League, just six points behind second-placed Chelsea.
After a historic return to the Champions League last season, Newcastle has continued to show their ambition under Howe's leadership. However, the manager insists that the focus must remain on the future, not on trying to replicate past successes. “I hope we’ve moved on from that team,” Howe stated. “You can never go back to what that team was. That side was exceptional, but we need to look forward. The team has changed, the dynamic is different, and we’ve added new players.”
One of the main changes Howe emphasizes is the desire to evolve the team’s style of play. “We’ve always aimed to be better with the ball,” Howe explained. “We want to control the game more, dominate possession, and evolve our attacking strategy.” The signing of fresh talent has brought a new energy to the squad, with the manager keen to cultivate a more fluid and possession-based approach.
In their latest win over Villa, Newcastle showed off their attacking potential. Anthony Gordon put the Magpies ahead with a stunning strike in the second minute, before Villa’s Jhon Duran was controversially sent off for a challenge on Sandro Tonali. Newcastle then doubled their lead through Alexander Isak, who scored his 10th goal in as many league matches, and Joelinton wrapped up the victory late on.
Despite a setback earlier in December, when Newcastle suffered a disappointing 4-2 defeat to Brentford, Howe is encouraged by his team's recent form. The loss dropped Newcastle to 12th place, but they have since rebounded with strong performances, showing resilience and determination in their quest for success.
When asked about the club's aspirations for the rest of the season, Howe responded with a pragmatic yet ambitious mindset. "We are aiming for whatever we can achieve," he said. “It’s all about taking it one game at a time. I’m encouraged by the way the team is playing, and we’ll continue to push forward.”
With the current momentum and a clear vision for progression, Howe is confident that Newcastle’s best days are ahead of them. As the season unfolds, the Magpies will aim to solidify their position as one of the Premier League's most exciting teams.
