Newcastle's "Unwavering Focus" Secures Victory Over Arsenal: Eddie Howe's Praise For 95 Minutes Of Concentration
Eddie Howe hailed Newcastle's unwavering focus as the key to their 2-0 victory over Arsenal, praising his team's ability to maintain concentration for the full 95 minutes.
"I thought in the end that was a thoroughly deserved win for us," Howe said. "It was a tough game, but I think we showed great character and resilience to come through it.
"What pleased me most was our concentration for the entire game. We never let Arsenal get a foothold in it, and we always looked dangerous going forward.
"We knew Arsenal would have a lot of possession, so we had to be patient and wait for our chances. But we defended well and took our opportunities when they came."
Newcastle's victory was their first at Arsenal since 2010, and it lifted them up to third in the Premier League table. Howe believes the win is a sign of the progress his team has made in recent months.
"I think we're moving in the right direction," Howe said. "We're starting to show the kind of form that we're capable of, and we're starting to pick up some big results.
"It's still early in the season, but we're in a good position. We just need to keep our focus and keep working hard."
Praise For Mitrovic And Willock
Howe also praised the performances of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Joe Willock, who scored Newcastle's two goals.
"Mitrovic was excellent," Howe said. "He's a handful for any defender, and he always gives us a chance of scoring.
"Willock was also very good. He's a talented player, and he's starting to show what he can do. He took his goal very well."
Mitrovic's goal was his seventh of the season, while Willock's goal was his third. Howe believes that both players can play a key role in Newcastle's success this season.
"I'm very pleased with the contribution of both players," Howe said. "They're both young and hungry, and they're both capable of scoring goals.
"If they can continue to play at this level, then I'm sure they can help us achieve our goals this season."