EDDIE HOWE will spend part of this week forensically analysing the opening 60 seconds of Newcastle United’s last three matches to try to ensure his side do not suffer another slack start against Tottenham this weekend.
The Magpies’ high-intensity style has been a key factor in their success this season, but in each of the last three games, Howe’s players have struggled to get out of the traps.
While Newcastle might have run out easy winners over West Ham in the end, they almost conceded after just 40 seconds when Jarrod Bowen’s surging down the right resulted in a cross that Bruno Guimaraes diverted against his own post.
The Magpies were pinned back from the kick-off for a second game in a row against Brentford, and on Saturday, as they were thrashed at Aston Villa, they almost conceded in the first minute again as Ollie Watkins broke into the box before drilling a shot against the post.
Howe accepts his side cannot afford to cede the early initiative when they host top-four rivals Tottenham, and will be doing everything he can to ensure his players get on the front foot from the off on Sunday afternoon.
“I think at Brentford, there was probably a reason (for the slow start),” said the Magpies boss. “That came from the fact that we’d stayed in London and had a hectic spell of games. You’re probably looking at that and thinking you can understand it.
“The Aston Villa game was less easy to explain. But sometimes it can just be an individual mistake that suddenly turns a game against you. We certainly need to analyse it properly.”
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Howe was left bitterly frustrated by his players’ disappointing display at Villa Park, but is adamant he needs to remain on an even keel ahead of a meeting with Spurs that could go a long way towards determining where Newcastle finish come the end of May.
“For me, being level, as I am in all moments, with success or failure, is hugely important,” he said. “Things can change very quickly in both moments, so I think you need a very level head. You just need to analyse what you’ve seen, and then go to work to make it better. That’s in successful moments and in not such good times too.”
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