Joe Buck reacts as Eddie Howe previews Newcastle United v Athletic Club
Eddie Howe has reflected on his bold decision to withdraw Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade for Newcastle United at West Ham on Sunday.
Woltemade is Newcastle’s top scorer so far this season with six goals in 10 starts for the club, while Gordon, despite not scoring or assisting in the Premier League since January, has contributed four goals and an assist in the Champions League so far this season.
Following the match, Howe was asked to explain his decision, which also involved Emil Krafth being withdrawn.
“Well that was the frustrating thing about the first half, I almost could have taken anyone off and I think that was a reflection of where we were in that moment in the game and it's very, very rare for me to feel that way,” Howe said on Sunday.
“In fact, I don't think I have since I've been manager of Newcastle, so I felt the team needed some shaking up at half-time, that's why I did what I did.
“I made the change to try and bring some energy and a different dynamic to the team, a different feeling and different relationships on the pitch.
“I thought we were better in the second half, I don't think we were particularly great though and that's why we didn't get back in the game.”
Eddie Howe defends Anthony Gordon & Nick Woltemade double change v West Ham
Despite being withdrawn on Sunday, Gordon and Woltemade are expected to keep their place in the starting line-up against Athletic Club on Wednesday evening in the Champions League at St James’ Park (8pm kick-off).
In his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Howe was asked for a further explanation of his decision to substitute Woltemade and Gordon early.
“I think that with Nick, we're well aware that we've thrust him into every single game near enough,” Howe said.
“I thought he looked a little bit fatigued and it's a case of making the decision that I felt tried to benefit the team and Nick going forward because he's carrying a lot of load on his shoulders, which I think if at any stage I feel he is fatigued, then I need to act and help him. So that was the thinking behind that one.”
Woltemade’s withdrawal was more around managing his minutes amid a busy fixture schedule as William Osula came on for the second half, while Gordon’s substitution was more down to his performance at the London Stadium.
“With Anthony, look, he's played very well in the Champions League,” Howe added. “He hasn't quite hit that form in the Premier League and I think that's his challenge.”
Howe’s comments mentioning Woltemade having to play ‘every single game’ and Gordon’s Champions League performances suggest both are likely to start on Wednesday night.
The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone.Simply click this linkto join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
Eddie Howe wants NUFC reaction in the Champions League
Newcastle have taken six points from their opening three Champions League matches, scoring eight goals, while in the Premier League they have 12 points from 10 games with 10 goals scored.
“I think we're disappointed with our Premier League form and the inability to string consistent results together,” Howe admitted. “And I think that's where the competition that we're in makes it difficult because you can find consistency in one, but it seems like you're being consistent.
“Our recent run of games hasn't been too bad and results-wise has actually been pretty strong. But in the Premier League in particular, we just haven't got those back-to-back wins that we need to elevate ourselves.
“We are back at home. We love playing here, as we say many times. But Athletic Club will provide stiff opposition, very good defensive team, in terms of their defensive numbers are very, very strong off the ball.
“I think they've delivered this year some really strong performances in particular. So I think from that side, our attacking game is going to have to be at its very best. And of course, Champions League nights here are always special.”
Continue Reading