Howe quizzed on January, 3-0 win vs Aston Villa and huge positives heading to Man Utd

Eddie Howe spoke to Amazon Prime following our brilliant Boxing Day win over Aston Villa at St James’ Park.

The boss discussed our brilliant start through Anthony Gordon – who scored a stunner within 90 seconds – our ability to manage the game against 10 men, our attacking threat and another clean sheet.

His transfer stance heading into January was also made clear, as Howe doubled down on his hope to strengthen – not stand still – if PSR allows it…

Howe “delighted” with Toon form
Starting with his reaction to the result, goals and another convincing win that sends us up to fifth, Howe said this shortly after the full-time whistle:

“It’s a brilliant goal from Anthony [Gordon]. He’s capable of that and great to see that go in as he has been working hard on his finishing and wants more goals.

“Yes, it was 11 v 10 but the game was never done at 1-0 and we showed good team characteristics. We were patient with the ball, we adapted and managed the situation (against 10 men) very well. I’m delighted with the win.

“We were never comfortable until the second goal and I have to complement the players and how well they are playing, it is a good set of results and performances. We’ve been searching for consistency.”

In his praise for our quality and renewed confidence at both ends, Howe added: “We looked like we could score at any moment. The attacking players have their confidence back which is great to see and we look in a great place.