Howe sees positives as players refuse to ‘wallow in misery’

⮞Manager says mentality is right ahead of ‘huge challenge’ ⮞Smith frustrated Norwich did not show quality to seal win

Eddie Howe believes his players have shown all the qualities they will need to save themselves from relegation despite being denied a victory over Norwich City that would have sent morale soaring.

Newcastle played for more than 80 minutes with 10 men after Ciaran Clark was shown a straight red card for pulling over Teemu Pukki, after his own mistake had gifted the Norwich striker possession.

But rather than fold, Newcastle fought bravely and even took the lead through Callum Wilson’s penalty in the second half. But they could not hold on for a first win of the season, making it 15 games without a victory in all competitions and they remain bottom of the table.

“It wasn’t the ideal start and a really difficult moment,” said Howe. “It was really tough and there were things we saw tonight that we are going to need in the battle ahead.

“I thought the players responded magnificently and I can’t fault their effort, commitment and defensive resilience. I couldn’t have asked for any more in terms of what they gave to the cause. We are going to need that between now and the end of the season.

“We know draws are not going to be enough, we need wins, but in any given situation you have to make the best of what you can get.

“If we deliver the mentality we showed with 10 men v 11 on a regular basis, we’ll win games. No doubt about that.

“The players have had some hard knocks this season and another one tonight with the red card.

“The challenge ahead is huge. We’re under no illusions as to the size of the task we face. You need the spirit in the group to deliver what we need,” Howe added.

“I feel the spirit has grown and that’s going to be key for us.”

Howe stopped short of criticising Clark for being sent off so early in the game, but his anger on the touchline was clear when it happened and he did not acknowledge the Republic of Ireland international when he walked off the pitch.

He added: “Ciaran will regret the decision, but it was an impulse and he just stopped the striker. It was a red card. These things happen in the game and my reaction was to try and find a solution to help the team.

“The game plan went out the window after that. We could have wallowed in that misery and taken a victim’s mentality, but we didn’t do that.”

Howe was also full of praise for the way the Newcastle crowd had

helped their team recover from their disastrous start to a game many felt they had to win to keep their survival hopes intact.

“The atmosphere was amazing, they really helped the team,” Howe said. “The supporters galvanised the players and it was the sort of atmosphere that I would have loved to have played in. It was really, really special.

“If we can recreate that in every home game, what a place this is going to be to play football.”

For Norwich manager Dean Smith there was the sense of a missed opportunity. “I’m a bit frustrated. We didn’t do enough to win the game because we didn’t show enough quality in the final third.

“We were a bit pedestrian on the

ball, we didn’t move it quickly enough until we went behind, he said. “I didn’t think it was a penalty, although it did hit his arm. It took them a long time to make a decision in the studio, so it wasn’t a clearand-obvious error from the on-field referee.”

Smith said it had been the worst performance from his side since his arrival at the club three games ago. “We’re missing a couple of players, but that’s not really a reason. The game plan changes after the sending off. I’d much rather Teemu go through and score the goal than a man getting sent off,” he said.

“They then sit back in a 4-3-2, but we never created enough big chances to win the game in all honesty.”