Newcastle United’s recent good form continued on Saturday.
Indeed, Bruno Guimaraes ensured Newcastle made it two wins from three by striking the winner against Fulham in the Premier League at Craven Cottage.
It may not have proven particularly convincing but it was certainly a much-needed win for the Magpies in west London.
West Ham’s victory at Wolves keeps the race for the Europa League open but, crucially, Eddie Howe’s side boast a game in hand on the Hammers.
After beating the Hammers, drawing with Everton and now beating Fulham, things appear to be on the up for Newcastle.
Still, they are not yet perfect.
Howe’s side started very badly in west London and were lucky to go into the break having not conceded.
Things did get better in the second half, as club legend Alan Shearer noted on X, formerly Twitter, after the full-time whistle.
Now, Howe has shared some details on the “harsh words” he had for the players.
Eddie Howe shares what he told Newcastle players during win over Fulham
Speaking to Premier League Productions after the game, Howe said: “Like I said in the opening period we looked really lethargic and Fulham controlled things, played really well.
“Often the third game in a week is difficult, especially going away from home and not being able to rotate the players you want to. We did well not to concede, had some luck doing it too.
“But a few harsh words, the lads were harsh with themselves as well, and second half we saw [an improvement].”
Newcastle qualifying for Europe would be an outstanding achievement
While the prospect of fighting for sixth and seventh may have sounded disappointing before a ball was kicked this season, qualifying for Europe in any capacity would be some achievement.
It’s been a season like no other. From Sandro Tonali’s ban from football, freakish injury problems, FFP restrictions and maddeningly difficult cup draws, Newcastle have been up against it.
To come through all of that and still potentially deliver European football next season is testament to what a good job Howe is doing.
Newcastle know their standards and haven’t lived up to them enough. If having harsh words in the dressing room helps the team reach them again, then let’s hope to hear of more of them between now and the end of the season.
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