Newcastle United do not know how to quit, as they battled back to earn a 1-1 draw against Tottenham with a well-worked move that involved another makeshift striker.
However, there is no getting around the discomfort of this situation. For Eddie Howe, options are decreasing, and "there is not much time."
‘I never doubt the players’ character’
**Brennan Johnson**got Spurs off to a flying start, but **Newcastle**have a never-say-die attitude.
“I think it was an improved performance again from us. A good response to a difficult opening to the game. I thought we had a better team in the first half, then the second half was probably more even.”
Howe held the opinion that the spirit of his players was worth waiting for the moment of their goal.
“I never doubt the players’ character and our ability to find a way to do the right things then we got a great attitude in the squad. I think that shone through and we dominated the first half. Our possession was not as potent as it is normally, but it was a really good goal from us to get back into the game.”
The leveller was a sweet strike from Harvey Barnes, ending a slick sequence of progressive play.
*“It was similar to the first goal we scored against Arsenal where we went right through the heart of the team. Same again today. The pass from Fabian Schar to Jacob and then a period of interplay between Jacob and Anthony Gordon. Then Harvey does what he does. He is lethal from that area.”*
Gordon filled in as the central forward with a commendable showing in the eyes of the 47-year-old.
“We had a couple of other chances in the game. Anthony did really well up front leading the line.”
Howe was happy to have one of his top talents, Lewis Hall, in the mix as he returns from a foot issue.
“What a player to get back into our ranks. He'll need a bit of time to get back to his best and we'll give him that time and try and support him. Today was just a taste for him. He's worked really hard to get to this point. But the lads absolutely love him. We love him. So he's a massive player for us.”
The Toon are always up for a scrap, but even they could pause to honour an opponent. The manager mentioned how his players displayed goodwill with the whole Spurs squad for an outgoing legend.
“It was very instinctive from the players. There was nothing planned, but I think that speaks volumes for him as a person and him as a footballer that both teams recognize the way he's played the game.”
The swansong of Son Heung-min, captain of **Tottenham**and South Korea, was on the perfect stage in Seoul.
He bows out with ten years of service in North London, 127 **Premier League**goals, and a Europa League title to reward the loyalty and clean character he has upheld in his time in England.
“It’s not just his ability, it's his attitude. the way he's handled himself, conducted himself has been impeccable. It was great to see from both sets of support, both sets of players. I was pleased with my players reaction. He’s seen one of the games great Premier League players and a great character.”
‘We have certainly felt their absence’
As the tour came to a close, the manager reflected on how his group had grown through these tests.
“It’s been intense. These trips are always the same for me and the coaching team. You don't get any time to enjoy the place really. It's consistent work, which is what this time of year is all about. And it's trying to make sure we're as prepared as we can be. We can't waste time. We can't waste the day.”
**Espanyol**and **Atletico Madrid**are the last two opponents on the list before the league kicks off. The 47-year-old feels his players are in a much better position to perform than they were a fortnight ago.
“The level we're playing against is too strong. We go home better prepared. fitter. The heat will, although it was really difficult to play in here, will help us no end when we get back to England, I'm sure. As I said before or in around the Arsenal game, the big games for us are the two coming up at the Tele Cup. We have to look like ourselves in those games to go into Aston Villa with confidence.”
The Toon have had to adapt to having no senior striker in the squad. Callum Wilson has now joined West Ham United while the saga with their Swedish star, Alexander Isak, continues.
Will Osula and Gordon have given their best attempt at replacing him, but his absence has been a big blow.
*“It's not easy. It's not always easy to get that straight away. So, we're still actively in the market. We are looking for players. Obviously, we lost Callum Wilson, who's in himself is a massive loss, and then you add that to Alexander Isak, who's not been with us. We have certainly felt their absence.”*
Benjamin Sesko seems to be their top target, but **RB Leipzig**are not an easy club to negotiate with. The **Premier League**season starts in less than two weeks, and time is running out for integration.
“There is not much time, especially when you consider you got to get whoever comes in, and I am talking about any position here, up to speed with how we play and the intricacies of what we do.”
The board has refused to accept a bid in the region of £110 million for the striker from Liverpool. Isak has been training alone in San Sebastian, but reports indicate that **Newcastle**expect him to be back with the group upon their return to Tyneside.
In truth, Howe has no idea what will happen next.
“Of course, I would like him to be there. Whether he will be, I don't know in this moment of time. It is the same answer really that you got from me the other day. We’ve been here time difference preparing the training, the games, and so other people have been dealing that situation back at home.”