I think we’re in a good place – Eddie Howe reflects after Leicester 0 Newcastle 3
Eddie Howe watched with satisfaction as his Newcastle side dismantled Leicester City in ruthless fashion, racing to a 3-0 lead within 34 minutes before comfortably seeing out the remainder of the match.
This commanding performance not only extended their winning streak to four games across all competitions but also propelled them into fifth place—level on points with Chelsea while holding a crucial game in hand in the race for Champions League qualification.
The Magpies’ blistering start at the King Power Stadium set the tone for the evening. Jacob Murphy announced himself with two clinical finishes inside the opening eleven minutes before former Leicester man Harvey Barnes compounded his old club’s misery with a well-taken third.
Howe’s decision to rotate key players in the second half—with Sunday’s clash against Manchester United in mind—demonstrated both the squad’s depth and the manager’s strategic nous.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Howe radiated quiet confidence about his team’s momentum. “We’re in a good place,” he reflected. “Today was always going to be challenging, but the way we started gave us complete control. Scoring early changes everything—that first goal was pure quality.”
The Newcastle boss acknowledged concerns about a potential hangover following their Carabao Cup triumph but praised his players’ mentality: “After such an emotional high, the real test was whether we could reset. This group has answered that question emphatically.”
Murphy’s brace earned particular praise from his manager. “Jacob’s been outstanding all season,” Howe noted. “He’s always had the work rate, but now he’s adding end product—that’s what separates good players from match-winners.”
The winger’s second goal came from an audacious Fabian Schar effort from inside his own half that rattled the crossbar, prompting Howe to marvel at the Swiss defender’s uniqueness: “There aren’t many center-backs who even attempt that, let alone come so close. That’s Fabian—he brings something extraordinary to our backline.”
With Champions League qualification now a tangible possibility, Howe remained measured about the challenges ahead. “It would mean everything, but we can’t get ahead of ourselves,” he cautioned. “The next week—United, Palace, Villa—will tell us a lot. We’re in the conversation, but the work’s just starting.”
His comments to BBC Sport reinforced this focus: “This was a massive win, but the real tests are coming thick and fast. The lads deserve credit—they’re humble, hungry, and representing the club exactly as we’d want.”
Alexander Isak’s 72nd-minute substitution raised eyebrows, but Howe dismissed fitness concerns: “He’s 100%. We’re just being smart with such an important player.”
The Swede’s link-up play with Barnes and Murphy had tormented Leicester all evening, showcasing Newcastle’s attacking fluidity despite Anthony Gordon’s continued absence.
Match Statistics (BBC Sport)
- Goals: Murphy 2′, 11′; Barnes 34′
- Possession: Leicester 58% – 42% Newcastle
- Shots (On Target): Newcastle 16(5) – 7(2) Leicester
- Corners: Leicester 12 – 2 Newcastle
- Touches in Box: Newcastle 23 – 16 Leicester
Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier (Krafth 87′), Schär, Burn, Livramento; Joelinton (Miley 65′), Tonali, Bruno (Longstaff 65′); Barnes, Isak (Wilson 72′), Murphy (Osula 72′)
Bench: Dúbravka, Ruddy, Targett, Neave
This victory underscored Newcastle’s transformation under Howe—a team capable of grinding out results and now, increasingly, dominating opponents.
While Leicester enjoyed more possession (58%) and corners (12-2), Newcastle’s cutting edge proved decisive. Their 23 touches in Leicester’s box dwarfed the Foxes’ 16, reflecting a clinical efficiency that bodes well for their European ambitions.
As the Magpies prepare for a season-defining week, this performance sent a clear message: Newcastle United are no longer plucky overachievers, but genuine contenders playing with the swagger of a top-four side.
With key players returning and momentum building, Howe’s men appear ready to embrace the pressure—starting with Sunday’s heavyweight clash at St. James’ Park.