ED SCRATCHER
Toon boss Howe: It’s nice to be called the Entertainers... but we MUST find right balance and stop leaking goals
EDDIE HOWE reckons it’s a “compliment” for his Newcastle side to be called the Entertainers – but he wants an end to the goals chaos.
The Geordies have found the net 51 times this season, the fourth best record in the Premier League, level with Spurs.
But they have also leaked 39 goals, and Howe is searching for a new balance to press on for European qualification.
The Toon have shipped four to Luton and two to Nottingham Forest in their last two games (Anthony Elanga scores for Forest, below), and host Howe’s former club Bournemouth today.
Kevin Keegan’s side were christened the Entertainers, but conceded fewer goals in their best campaign, while Newcastle only leaked 33 all last season.
Howe said: “It is a definite compliment and I take it that way. We do want to entertain and we do want supporters to feel really excited about what they are going to see.
“There are unknowns with us at the moment – that leads to a feeling of what we could be. Could we catch fire? Could we score goals today?
“When you are coaching the team you want a bit more consistency as well.
“That is what we are chasing. There is no problem with the goals for. We are always pushing to be a really attacking team. We have to get the balance right and not be unreliable defensively. I don’t think that is a problem with the players.
“We have talented defenders, they are very good. We are going through one of those moments when we are being punished for any mistake we make.
“Sometimes you can’t control the controllables. Football is a random game of moments. If you obsess about controlling every single thing, you will drive yourself mad.
“We are on a good run of form. I will take that win last week. We are chasing that winning feeling and, however we get there, we will accept it.”
The Toon boss faces a dilemma over recalling Alexander Isak from injury, with the Swede “very, very, very close” to overcoming another groin strain.
Callum Wilson has had an operation on his pectoral muscle – yet another “freak” injury to a Magpies player this season – but Howe says he will not “wallow” in his frustration.
Howe has been linked with transfer interest in Cherries players Philip Billing, Dominic Solanke and Lloyd Kelly.
He reckons Solanke could play in this summer’s Euros, adding: “Callum’s injury has a part in Dominic’s view for England.
“He can play international football, for sure. I’ve watched him this year and he’s impressed me every time I’ve seen him.”
“I have to be careful with my answer because we are playing them.
They are players I admire because I signed them previously. They are outstanding players.
“Whether they are a fit for Newcastle is another matter.”