Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe wanted his side to dominate Everton - a feat they accomplished in their 4-1 win
Eddie Howe celebrates after winning the Premier League match between Everton and Newcastle United at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar Via Getty Images
Eddie Howe celebrates after winning the Premier League match between Everton and Newcastle United at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar Via Getty Images
View Image
Eddie Howe revelled in the celebrations as his Newcastle United players savoured their victory over Everton in front of the away fans at Hill Dickinson Stadium. With the ground empty apart from the travelling supporters, the Magpies boss joined his players on the pitch as they enjoyed their first win on the road since April.
It was a far cry from the frustration Newcastle felt in this fixture last season when Anthony Gordon missed a penalty in a goalless draw at Goodison Park - and a different feeling to the final game of the last campaign when Everton won at St James’ Park.
Speaking after the match, Howe was unable to hide his delight at the emphatic 4-1 success. On breaking a terrible away record, he said: “It was really important because obviously we haven't had that feeling enough, or at all.
“I felt a real sense of disappointment and regret in Marseille [where Newcastle lost 2-1 in midweek] because the supporters had a difficult journey there.
“It was a difficult experience for some of them and I felt we let them down to a degree that we couldn't get the win or a positive result that maybe our performance deserved.
“But I think our supporters are very pleased today that we're able to put that right and give them that winning feeling to travel back to Newcastle with.”
Among those involved in the celebrations was Gordon, who left Everton for the north east three years ago and has since done little to ingratiate himself to his former club.
The winger was a stoppage-time substitute and had just one touch but his name was chanted with gusto by the away support.
Howe said the preparations for the match had been focused on the factors that proved to be the difference between the two teams on Saturday night, with Newcastle eager to dominate the contest physically.
His opposite number, Blues boss David Moyes, conceded that was the case.
Howe said: “The European games take so much out of you in different ways and we obviously had a very late night in Marseille on Tuesday, traveling back and had to try and get the week right, to try and get the players entering this pitch physically able to match Everton and surpass Everton if possible, physically.
“I felt that was a big sort of tick in the box for the players because midfield is where the game is won and lost for me every week.
“I thought we were really strong. Lewis [Miley] played a big part in that.
“Congratulations to him on a really strong performance and goal and assist. And a really good day for him personally, I think.”