ED’S WALK OF Boss Howe out of Dire Straits after LIFE comfy win
EDDIE HOWE has got Newcastle back on track. Two huge wins in a week, and most importantly their first clean sheet in the league in 10 games, and all is looking rosier on Tyneside.
Howe even had the luxury of impact subs, refreshing his front line and defence, as their injury crisis eases.
It was Brothers in Arms for the Magpies before kick-off as Dire Straits legend and Toon fan Mark Knopfler appeared on the pitch to plug his charity re-release of Local Hero.
The iconic tune has long been used to herald the moment Newcastle players emerge onto the pitch and proceeds from the track will go towards the Teenage Cancer Trust and Teenage Cancer America charities.
After the toil of the last couple of months, and league form fit for the relegation zone, the Toon are showing spring shoots of recovery, even if playing conditions on Tyneside were arctic deluge.
Wolves were unpicked by a canny and subtle switch in playing style from Howe, showing that he can problem solve.
The pick of the goals was from sub Tino Livramento, with a long dribble and finish. Bruno Guimaraes was also hugely influential.
It was Newcastle’s first clean sheet in the league since December 16 when they beat 10-man Fulham 3-0.
Wolves boss Gary O’neil was left frustrated, on a day his side failed to take their chances.
Newcastle turned on the style and were ruthless in the first half, roaring to a two-goal lead. Victory was secured with Wolves having the best of possession and territory, and the Geordies playing on the break.
Newcastle got the perfect start after 13 minutes through Alexander Isak’s 11th of the league season.
Schar, involved in all three goals, passed the ball out of defence to release Anthony Gordon on the break. Guimaraes sprinted 60 yards to get into the box and was teed up and his left foot shot deflected up for Isak to nod home from close range.
Then Gordon notched to take his tally to 10 in all competitions to put Howe’s men in the comfort zone.
Jacob Murphy broke and curled in a low ball from the right that Max Kilman and Jose Sa failed to deal with and got in each other’s way. Gordon was lurking behind them, and fired home.
Howe switched his tactics and tempo with Newcastle sitting deeper, letting Wolves have the ball.
They looked more secure like this after conceding 24 goals in their last nine games. The best goal was saved until added time.
Livramento gathered the ball on the break 45 yards out and ran at the defence, dribbled around Craig Dawson and Ait-nouri, and then poked home.
This was as comfortable as it’s been for Newcastle for a couple of months.
Back to their best? Or going through the gears for a late season challenge to the top six?