Eddie Howe reveals tactical tweaks to neutralize Spurs
Newcastle United enjoyed a brilliant display against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, as Eddie Howe praises how the Magpies tactically triumphed over the Lilywhites as Alexander Isak ran riot at St. James Park.
It was Alexander Isak who opened the scoring for the hosts in the first half an hour before Anthony Gordon slotted in a quick-fire second as the Tyneside-based Toons went into half-time with a two-goal lead and on a mental high. The Swede international added a third in the second half to get a brace along his name, while Fabian Schar ensured Spurs’ day went from bad to worse when he headed into a corner in the dying minutes.
Newcastle United manager giving his assessment on win over Tottenham.
Speaking about the game in a certain tactical depth, Eddie Howe exclaimed how he had to change a few things to contend with how Tottenham play. He also acknowledged how one-on-one situations played a massive part in the game and how the concentration level of his team assured that they got the better of each duel. Eddie Howe, in his assessment of the game, said (via. Vavel):
“Tottenham are unique in what they do, and we felt we needed to change to give ourselves the best chance of implementing what we wanted to do. Also, we were looking at the balance of the players we have available, trying to get them in their best positions to play well, so it was a combination of a lot of different things.”
“I thought tactically it worked; I thought it was a really good delivery from the players; they’re always the ones that deserve the praise for the execution. It’s such a difficult thing to do when you’re playing against elite players; you know, if you’re man for man, one mistake can cost you, but our concentration levels were really good.”
As Howe acknowledged, the North Londoners play a bit differently under Ange Postecoglou, and it becomes a game of high margins when you face the quality of players and the system that Tottenham has. Although credit where it’s due, Eddie Howe absolutely out-muscled Spurs in all aspects of the game, and his players deserve all the praise they are getting in the media.
Tottenham have a couple of weeks’ break before they face Arsenal in the North London Derby as they look to finish in the traditional top four going into the business end of the season.
