Eddie Howe delivered a “wake up call” to his players at half-time after their dozy start to the game against Sheff United.
The Magpies fell a goal behind and could have allowed the Blades to go further in front before Alexander Isak restored order at 1-1. But the second half goals flowed and Newcastle ran out 5-1 winners.
Star striker Alexander Isak commented after the game: “We got off to quite a bad start and needed one goal against us to wake up. The reaction was very good. The manager gave us a wake-up call at half-time.”
Howe then spoke of the need to get his players to regroup for the second half. Asked about the comeback, the Newcastle boss said: “Half-time was a big moment for us because we had to re-group. It was a difficult first half because I thought Sheffield United played well. They are fighting for their lives. We knew they would come here and have a right go.
“It was a much improved second half display and in the end we fully deserved the win. We scored at a good time [in the second half] and were devastating at times.”
Newcastle had many star performers on the day with Bruno Guimaraes putting in an excellent showing. On the Brazilian, Howe said: “He [Bruno Guimaraes] is very much part of my plans [for next season]. We have to showcase what we can offer him as a football club and hope that’s enough to keep him. Bruno is a special talent and scored a big goal today. Hopefully he stays with us for many years.”
