Bullish Howe says there may be ‘extra to come back’ from in-form Magpies

Eddie Howe says there may be “extra to come back” from resurgent Newcastle forward of their journey to Tottenham tomorrow lunchtime.

The Magpies loved a formidable December, shifting as much as fifth place within the Premier League on the again of 4 straight wins, together with a 2-0 victory at Manchester United on Monday evening.

They haven’t conceded within the league since a 4-2 reverse at Brentford on December 7 and can arrive in North London brimming with confidence.

Howe is delighted with their progress however believes they’ll nonetheless enhance.

He mentioned: “There’s at all times [room to improve], it’s important to consider that, I do genuinely consider that. There’s extra to come back, we’re enjoying lots higher, the cohesion within the group has been actually sturdy. Gamers are enjoying with confidence and freedom and expressing themselves in a good way.

“However because the challenges go up, we might want to ship extra. These subsequent video games we’ve got developing will problem us extra and we’re going to have to reply in a constructive means.

“Our attacking gamers are in good kind. We appear to be we’ve had an excellent really feel in regards to the group. Mentally, I believe we’re in an excellent place. So I believe we have to roll into the sport and try to proceed our good kind.”

For the primary time in 2025! 💪 pic.twitter.com/kPA2uI1gHp

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 2, 2025

Howe cautious of wounded Spurs

Because it was on Monday, they are going to be going through a group gong via a troublesome spell with Tottenham taking only one level from their final three video games and within the midst of a serious harm disaster.

Howe dismissed the notion that it was an excellent time to play Ange Postecoglou’s males, nevertheless.

He added: ”I don’t know whether or not it is going to be an excellent recreation for us or not till afterwards. 

“I believe it is going to be an thrilling recreation. I believe they at all times are in opposition to Tottenham. We’ve traditionally had some good matches in opposition to them. Each groups have had their moments in these video games. One factor for positive is, they’re not going to alter their attacking method. It’s been very efficient for them in entrance of purpose. You take a look at their numbers, they’re excellent.”

Botman again

Newcastle shall be additional boosted by the doubtless return of Netherlands defender Sven Botman to the matchday squad.

Botman has been absent since March after damaging his ACL however is ready to be on the bench tomorrow.

“He’s labored extremely arduous to get himself in an excellent situation,” mentioned Howe. “He’s had three video games, lots of inside coaching as effectively. He’s actually in and round my ideas. I’ll should decide on who I believe most closely fits that place. Nice to have Sven in and round and obtainable once more.

“We’ve taken longer than perhaps we usually would have executed via respect of the harm he needed to strive and ensure he has the perfect likelihood of staying match and when he comes again, hitting the bottom operating, which is completely very important.

“I’ve obtained a call to make by way of group choice, but when Sven is within the squad it’s as a result of he’s match and obtainable.”

England boss Tuchel set to be in attendance

Tomorrow’s recreation is ready to be the primary one attended by Thomas Tuchel in his capability as England boss, not that that was of curiosity to Howe.

“I’m positive the gamers will concentrate on that, however I believe for me it’s irrelevant,” he mentioned.

“It’s us in opposition to Tottenham and we’ve obtained to verify we flip up on the similar place that we had been in opposition to Manchester United, on the entrance foot and try to ship an excellent efficiency.”