It was a record-breaking night for more than one reason as we hammered Qarabag 6-1 in the first leg of our Champions League play-off.
Anthony Gordon wrote his name into the history books with his four first half goals, with that the most any Toon player has scored in a single game in European competition. Malick Thiaw and Jacob Murphy also found the back of the net in a resounding victory.
The result has all-but-confirmed our place in the last 16, where a clash against either Chelsea or Barcelona awaits the lads in the next round of the competition.
Here’s what Eddie Howe had to say on a historic night in Azerbaijan:
Heading into tonight’s game, there was a degree of nervousness amongst fans that Qarabag would be a very stubborn opponent, as they showed often in their league phase games.
However, those fears were quickly swept aside inside the opening three minutes with Gordon’s first of the night. And Howe had big praise for the team for their hard work from the very get-go.
“It looks like with the run of away games that we’ve had, we’ve learned how to play away!
“I pay tribute to the team today. That first half is as good as we’ve played in a long time. We were really good. We wanted to keep the momentum in the second half, the game changed and they played lower on the pitch which made it more difficult for us. Overall it’s a great day for us.
“Disappointed with that (not keeping a clean sheet). Second half we obviously wanted to defend with discipline, and well I’m not sure what happened with the goal. I actually thought it was offside of course, but yeah the goal was given.”
“That’s as good as we’ve played in a long time”
Eddie Howe reflects on Newcastle’s brilliant 6-1 performance over Qarabag…
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Only Kylian Mbappe has outright scored more goals than Gordon has in the Champions League this campaign, and the Englishman could have had so many more goals if not for some excellent saves from the Qarabag goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski.
“Anthony Gordon was really good first half. Really pleased with his first goal. Very good display.
“He started the press, a number of his goals came from his attitude off the ball. He could have had more, but a very good display.”
Though it would take a miracle from Qarabag to overturn the five goal deficit next Tuesday night. Howe produced a typically diplomatic, professional response when asked about if whether or not the tie was already over.
“Yes we have had a good game today but we take nothing for granted in the second game.
“We know the tie is not dead or over, but we’ve put ourselves in a great position. I just think we’ve got to be professional in every moment. We know how football can change.”
After receiving widespread praise for dropping into midfield against Aston Villa this past weekend, big Nick Woltemade was excellent once again in his newfound role as the no.10 within our midfield.
The key creative focal point in the squad, the former Stuttgart ace does seem a lot more comfortable in the role than when left alone at striker, something which Howe credits to a strong work ethic and some unmatched talent from Woltemade.
“Nick is such a unique player. I thought he was outstanding with the ball today. Rarely gave the ball away. He wanted the ball in every moment.
“He’s creative as well. He’s unlucky not to score a couple himself, I was very very impressed with him tactically. To play a different position is not easy, but he’s taken to it so quickly.”
And a historical night for the club was also a milestone moment for youngster Sean Neave, as the teenage striker made his long-awaited senior debut in the Champions League proper.
Almost grabbing an assist so soon after coming on, and just missing a golden opportunity to score on debut, the future looks bright for the 18-year-old here at the club.
“A great moment. I think Sean’s deserved it: he’s been with us for a while now and he’s trained with us every day. His attitude is exemplary, he’s a really humble lad, wants to do very well.
“He’s also talented, and you can see that when he came on: he’s almost got a goal, yeah really pleased for him and his family.”
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