David Moyes
David Moyes
David Moyes has revealed that Newcastle United fans make a 'huge difference' because Geordies create an 'incredible atmosphere' at St James' Park.
Moyes has only ever won four games at St James' during his long managerial career: two with Everton, one with Manchester United and one with West Ham. The Scot, who has taken charge of 1,150 matches, experienced the power of the stadium firsthand last season when his West Ham side were beaten despite being 3-1 up with less than a quarter of an hour to go.
That was an afternoon when Moyes admitted it was 'always a problem' when Newcastle 'shoot down the way' towards the Gallowgate End in the second half if the Magpies win the toss. As far as Moyes is concerned, St James' is right up there with the toughest places to go.
"I've always hated playing at Anfield because the crowd makes such a difference and I actually think Newcastle are another one," the former Sunderland boss told the Rest is Football. "I think Newcastle have got an incredible atmosphere there. I do think that the crowd can play a huge difference."
Newcastle have only lost nine league fixtures at St James' since Eddie Howe took charge of a relegation threatened-side in 2021. The Magpies next host fellow European hopefuls Aston Villa on Tyneside and forward Morgan Rogers said there was 'no tougher game on Boxing Day than Newcastle away'.
Newcastle can leapfrog Unai Emery's side in the table with a win as the black-and-whites bid to record three successive victories in the Premier League for the first time in 15 months.
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