I think we’re in a good place – Eddie Howe reflects after Leicester 0 Newcastle 3 | OneFootball

Eddie Howe watched on as his team cruised to a 3-0 win at Leicester.

Newcastle United three goals ahead inside 34 minutes, the opening two from Jacob Murphy and then Harvey Barnes scoring on his return to the King Power.

Eddie Howe declaring “I think we’re in a good place” as Newcastle moved to fifth, level on points with fourth place Chelsea, though United a game in hand on them and all the others competing for Champions League qualification.

Four wins in a row now in all competitions and Eddie Howe able to take a number of key players off to save their legs for big upcoming matches, starting with Man U on Sunday

Eddie Howe speaking to Sky Sports after Leicester 0 Newcastle 3:

“I think we’re in a good place.

“Today was always going to be difficult for us but we started the game so strongly and put ourselves in a good position.

“We’re playing with confidence but we’re going to need it because the next three games are tough.

“If you can start fast and score the first goal then it can influence the game. The first goal was high quality.

“There was a worry when we won the cup that we’d drop.

“Just a subconscious feeling that you’ve achieved a massive high and there’s a fall from that.

“The challenge for the group was can you go again and they’ve done that well.”

Eddie Howe on Jacob Murphy:

“He’s played well all season for us.

“He’s always been a great team player for us with work ethic but this season he’s added goals.

“I’m really pleased for him that he’s getting more recognition.”

Eddie Howe on Fabian Schar’s shot from his own half that hit the bar, Murphy scoring from the rebound:

“He brings a flair that not many centre-backs can bring.

“It’s another Fabian moment.

“For a split second, I thought it was in.

“There are not many centre-backs in football that can do what he can do.”

Eddie Howe on potentially reaching the top four:

“It would mean a great deal to us.

“It’s difficult to think too far ahead and think of the implications.

“We need to do our job and that is to win games.”

Eddie Howe on Alexander Isak’s fitness:

“I think he’s 100% fit.

“I wouldn’t have taken any risk with him tonight if he wasn’t.

“I don’t think we’ll have to manage him.”

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe speaking to BBC Sport after Leicester 0 Newcastle 3:

“Really pleased.

“A massive win for us.

“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy.

“We started really well and that gave us the foundation to go and win.

“It was a bright start.

“The first goal was a real highlight for us in terms of quality.

“When you start the game in that fashion it makes it easier for you.

“Leicester were competitive but I wanted us to add more goals.”

Eddie Howe on the team keeping their focus after winning silverware:

“That was the biggest challenge for us.

“I can’t complement them enough.

“They are a very down to earth, humble group who want to do well and represent the club in the right way.

“They have shown that in the last few weeks.”

Eddie Howe on how he sees the race for Champions League football:

“It’s going to hot up.

“The next week for us is a big week.

“We have three really tough games and that will go a long way in seeing where we are at the end of the season.

“We are in a better position than we were but there is still a lot of work to do.”

Leicester 0 Newcastle 3 – Monday 7 April 8pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Murphy 2, 11 Barnes 34

Leicester:

Possession was Newcastle 42% Leicester 58%

Total shots were Newcastle 16 Leicester 7

Shots on target were Newcastle 5 Leicester 2

Corners were Newcastle 2 Leicester 12

Touches in the box Newcastle 23 Leicester 16

Pope, Trippier (Krafth 87), Schar, Burn, Livramento, Joelinton (Miley 65), Tonali, Bruno (Longstaff 65), Barnes, Isak (Wilson 72), Murphy (Osula 72)