‘We are a very good team’

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe was full of praise for his side after the Magpies claimed their fifth straight Premier League win with a 2-1 victory over Tottenham.

Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak grabbed the goals as Howe’s side came from behind to take all three points at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.

Dominic Solanke gave Spurs an early lead and piled on the pressure late on, but the visitors held on as they continue their push to break into the top four.

“We had to dig deep today,” Howe told TNT Sports after the game. “It was a tough win, but a big one for us.”

ANOTHER BIG AWAY WIN! 😍😍 pic.twitter.com/8t8gNQqRHt

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 4, 2025

Asked about possible handball in the build-up to Newcastle’s equaliser, Howe admitted the ball hit Joelinton’s hand but said he was unclear about the rules in that situation.

The Magpies boss was also quick to praise the in-form Isak, who became only the third Newcastle player to score in seven consecutive Premier League games, after Alan Shearer and Joe Willock.

“He (Isaac) is in the right place at the right time again, and that’s the art,” Howe said.

“(He scored) huge goals for us. He’s on a really hot streak and long may it continue.”

Howe added that his team’s recent impressive run has helped instill confidence in the squad.

“Confidence has definitely changed as it naturally does when you win games. I think that’s something we’ve been striving for. Our performances were generally pretty good.

“We went through a really tough streak, but there are games in between that we probably should have won. But we are a very good team. We have good players so I like to think we can continue (on a streak).”

Alexander Isak gives Newcastle the lead with a little help from Radu Dragusin 🙌

📺 @tntsports and @otkrićeplusUK pic.twitter.com/9Dgxfs27nE

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 4, 2025

Isak agreed that the mood in the camp was good, but said that the players should not overdo it.

“It’s about maintaining that energy, keeping it at the same level because it can turn at any time. We have to stay focused and work hard to keep winning.”

On his goalscoring streak, the forward added: “I’m really happy with how things are going. I go into every game with the same mentality to score a goal.

“I’m not thinking about breaking records or anything like that. It’s only positive.”

“I don’t think it’s just individual, it’s collective. As a team we have been very good lately. I think we played very well. This makes it easier for individuals. It goes hand in hand.”