‘Under no illusion’; Howe cites Newcastle strength in Chelsea loss, with familiar gripe
Eddie Howe praised the way his Newcastle defence kept Chelsea shackled for much of Sunday’s defeat but conceded they are not out of trouble yet.
The Magpies went into the Stamford Bridge encounter looking to extend a nine-match unbeaten run. And it looked as if they would add another point to their tally after blanking the Blues for 88 minutes. However, Kai Havertz ensured the points stayed in west London, with an excellent strike right at the death.
The north-east outfit had employed high-pressing tactics, which Chelsea struggled to get past. And when they did, the Tynesiders’ rearguard dealt comfortably with everything thrown at them.
It was tough on Howe’s men not to take anything from the game. But the manager preferred to look at the positives from another solid display.
“Overall it was a very good defensive performance, very strong tactically,” he told Sky Sports. “Players were resilient to not give away too many chances and I can’t speak highly enough about our defensive display.
“Our pressing was good in the first half. We faded a bit in the second half, which is understandable, with the players we have out. We got too deep and they punished us.
“On the ball we could have been better but what has brought us these good results of late was our defensive endeavour and that was present again today.”
Howe staying grounded
The 1-0 loss leaves Newcastle 14th in the top-flight standings. They have 31 points from 28 games played and are nine points above the relegation zone.
But they could have been in a better positron had things turned out differently. Havertz was perhaps lucky to stay on the pitch after elbowing Dan Burn in the face when jumping for the ball.
He was yellow carded but replays suggested the Germany international was fortunate not to be shown a red card. Howe did not use that as an excuse for defeat but was unhappy with the video referee.
“Could have been a red but not going to shout from rooftops but the penalty with the use of VAR I cannot understand that has not been given or the ref has not been asked to go to the monitor and review his decision,” he added.
“That makes a mockery of VAR.”
The St James’ Park outfit have looked a different side since the arrival of new faces in January. Most pundits feel they are no longer in any danger of the drop.
However, Howe is taking nothing for granted.
“We are still in a relegation battle,” he continued. “Under no illusion we have to respond and we are looking forward to some big games ahead.”
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