Howe delighted after Magpies notch first win
Eddie Howe is refusing to look at a daunting December fixture list after seeing Newcastle finally end their wait for a first Premier League win of the season at the 15th attempt.
Callum Wilson’s goal handed the Magpies a priceless 1-0 victory over fellow strugglers Burnley at St James’ Park and lifted them from the foot of the table.
However, they face Leicester and Liverpool away in their next two games and then host Manchester pair City and United in quick succession in a stern test of their fledgling recovery.
Asked how important it was to be going into those games with a win under their belts, head coach Howe said: “I try not to look at groups of fixtures. It’s a waste of energy and a waste of time because you’ve got to play them one at a time and we’re going to look at the first one.
“We’ll be really boosted by the win today, that should give us a lot of confidence.”
Howe added: “It was just an amazing feeling to get that first win for the fans as a big thank you for everything that they’ve given to me and the team in the last few weeks.”
Opposite number Sean Dyche bemoaned his side’s failure to make the most of an encouraging first-half performance.
Asked to assess his side’s display, Dyche said: “First half, really good. We came here and we took the game on, which we wanted to do, opened them up on occasions.
“Goals change the feel of games, not just the scoreline, and it did for them.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl has blasted Alex McCarthy’s lack of professionalism for failing to admit the extent of his hamstring injury that cost Southampton two points against Brighton.
Neal Maupay’s lastditch tap-in scrambled Brighton a 1-1 draw at St Mary’s, after Armando Broja had opened the scoring, with the French striker played onside by James Ward-Prowse.
The Saints skipper had raced back to cover McCarthy’s left post from Jakub Moder’s addedtime free-kick, with the home keeper fearing he was not mobile enough to protect the entire goal.
“If you have a keeper that is not 100 per cent fit in that moment and cannot jump and then you send someone back into the line, then the rebound that comes out is normally offside,” said Hasenhuttl.
“This is something we cannot accept. Alex must be definitely more professional than that.”
Brighton boss Graham Potter hailed the late point, adding: “We have belief and the one thing I don’t doubt in my players is their character, spirit and willingness.”
In the day’s late game, Bernardo Silva scored twice as Manchester City won 3-1 at Watford, after Raheem Sterling had opened the scoring.
Sub Juan Hernandez grabbed a consolation.