The optimistic Howe says “more can be expected” from the in-form Magpies.
Eddie Howe says there is “more to expect” from resurgent Newcastle ahead of their trip to Tottenham tomorrow lunchtime.
The Magpies enjoyed an impressive December, moving into fifth place in the Premier League with four straight wins, including a 2-0 win at Manchester United on Monday night.
They have not conceded a single goal in the league since a 4-2 defeat at Brentford on December 7 and will arrive in north London full of confidence.
Howe is pleased with their progress but believes they can still improve.
He said: “There is always (room for improvement), you have to believe in that, I really believe that.” There’s more to come, we’re playing a lot better, the team spirit is really strong. Players play with confidence and freedom and express themselves in great ways.
“But the greater the challenges become, the more we have to do. The next games we have coming up will challenge us even more and we have to respond positively.
“Our offensive players are in good shape. We seem to have had a good feeling for the team. Mentally I think we are in a good place. So I think we have to come into the game and try to continue our good form.”
For the first time in 2025! 💪 pic.twitter.com/kPA2uI1gHp
– Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 2, 2025
However, be wary of wounded Spurs
As was the case on Monday, they will face a team going through a difficult period, with Tottenham picking up just one point from their last three games and in the midst of a serious injury crisis.
However, Howe dismissed the notion that it was a good time to play against Ange Postecoglou’s men.
He added: “I only know afterwards whether it will be a good game for us.”
“I think it will be an exciting game. I think they are always against Tottenham. We’ve had some good games against them in the past. Both teams had their moments in these games. One thing is certain: they will not change their attack approach. It was very effective for them in front of goal. If you look at their numbers, they are very good.”
Botman back
Newcastle will be given a further boost by the likely return of Dutch defender Sven Botman to the matchday squad.
Botman has been out since March with a cruciate ligament injury but will be on the bench tomorrow.
“He worked incredibly hard to get in good shape,” Howe said. “He played three games and also did a lot of internal training. He is certainly in and around my thoughts. I have to make a decision about who I think is best suited for this position. It’s nice that Sven is back and available.
“We took longer than we normally would have, out of respect for his injury, to ensure he had the best chance of staying fit and hitting the ground running when he comes back, which is absolutely important.”
“I have to make a decision regarding team selection, but if Sven is in the squad it will be because he is fit and available.”
England coach Tuchel is expected to be present
Tomorrow’s game is expected to be the first in which Thomas Tuchel takes part in his role as England manager, but that was of no interest to Howe.
“I’m sure the players are aware of it, but I think for me it’s irrelevant,” he said.
“We are playing against Tottenham and we need to make sure we are in the same position as we were against Manchester United, at the top and trying to put in a good performance.”
