Newcastle United were unforgiving against Manchester United at St James’ Park, even without manager Eddie Howe.
The Magpies made it five wins in a row in fantastic fashion by putting four past their historic rivals, giving them a massive lift in their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
Newcastle United moved up to fourth in the Premier League table with the win, taking advantage of Chelsea’s draw against Ipswich Town earlier on Sunday.
Eddie Howe missed Newcastle’s win through illness, leaving assistant manager Jason Tindall to manage the side alongside Graeme Jones.
Tindall did not disappoint at all, securing all three points thanks to goals from Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, coupled with a brace from Harvey Barnes.
There is no news on whether Howe will be back in the dugout for the game against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night, but Tindall shared a conversation he had with the gaffer after the win.
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Jason Tindall reveals Eddie Howe delight after Newcastle United win
Howe was admitted to the hospital on Friday night after struggling with illness a few days prior. He had not trained with the team after the win against Leicester on Monday night, leaving his staff to do the work for him.
While he was not able to attend the game, Howe had still engaged in several conversations with Tindall about how they would approach it.
Tindall took Newcastle’s post-match interview in Howe’s absence where he was immediately asked if the 47-year-old had been in touch after the win.
“I’ve just seen a message from him before I came to do the press, congratulating the performance from everybody and from the team,” Tindall said.
“He was able to watch it, and I’m sure that would have lifted his spirits.”
“He trusted the decision we’d make, we’ve been working together for a long time. He was able to communicate earlier on in the week, then put his trust in everyone to put in a performance he’d be proud of, and the boys delivered.
“We had to make a couple of tweaks at half-time, we were a few yards off on our press. The lads went back out and delivered their tactical executions superbly well.”
Tindall was unable to provide any further update on his condition or whether he will be at St James’ Park for Newcastle’s game in hand over the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City.
Newcastle United players make honest Eddie Howe admission
There is no doubt the players would have been more motivated to win due to Howe’s absence.
Whether he is in attendance or not, Newcastle must play to a similar level against Crystal Palace to overtake Nottingham Forest into third place.
Qualifying for the Champions League is the aim for Newcastle – the players know that. But their emotions would have surely been elsewhere for this game.
Speaking to the press after the game, Guimaraes was asked about Howe’s absence.
“We hope this gives the gaffer a little bit of happiness in a tough week for him. We missed him this week at the training ground.”
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