Newcastle United recorded another big win in a season that has been full of them despite a mixed time of it.
While few would doubt Newcastle are struggling to scale the heights they reached last season, Eddie Howe’s side have proven themselves capable against elite competition.
Tuesday night’s win over Aston Villa means Unai Emery’s side have now been beaten twice this season. Howe’s outfit have also conquered both Manchester clubs, Arsenal, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain too, although losses to the so-called lesser teams have been disappointing.
Indeed, Howe was in a mixed mood after the game.
Aston Villa 1-3 Newcastle: Why Eddie Howe had mixed feelings
Speaking to The Independent, Howe said: “It’s been frustrating as we’ve done well in the cup competitions away from home but the Premier League seems to have been a different story.
“It was mixed emotions for me because that team is an elite team. The mixed part is that we haven’t seen that for a number of weeks. We looked much like ourselves and we have players coming back.”
Newcastle news: They need to find consistency
The Villa result will mean little if Luton come to St James’ Park and win on Saturday.
With Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth up after the Hatters, Newcastle have a geat chance to build up a head of steam ahead of the trip to Arsenal in late February.
Clearly, both Forest and the Cherries have already beaten Newcastle this season, so the games won’t be easy. Still, at their best, Howe’s side should be winning those games.
If Newcastle can put a run together now, a late push for the Champions League spots and a deep run in the FA Cup cannot be discounted.
Obviously something that has frustrated Howe, consistency could be the key to turning Newcastle’s season around from here.
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