While Newcastle United have ruffled a few feathers this season, Eddie Howe was not in the mood to even entertain the idea of playing for a draw against Tottenham.
Fifth-placed Spurs travel to St James’ Park on Sunday in what looks increasingly like a Champions League play-off.
Three points for the away side would take them level on points with the Magpies and, while Howe’s side boast a game in hand, the mental boost Spurs would take from a win simply isn’t worth thinking about.
Despite their lead and extra game, Newcastle need to win, particularly after last week’s loss at Aston Villa.
Eddie Howe laughs off reporter’s questions about playing for a draw
Which is why it was so strange to see Howe being asked if his team would be looking for a point.
Granted, Newcastle might have been criticised for indulging in the dark arts somewhat this season but they are hardly a team who consistently adopt a negative approach to claim a draw.
At Friday’s pre-match press conference, Howe was asked: “I know you’d never say you’d play for a draw but do you think would be a bad result?”
A smiling Howe simply replies: “Keith, come on! No, we play to win.”
Three points could see off the challenge of Tottenham
A win on Sunday would surely end Spurs’ hopes of catching Newcastle.
Taking a six-point lead over them while also boasting a game in hand makes it incredibly difficult to imagine a scenario in which Spurs manage to overhaul Howe’s side from here.
While the likes of Liverpool and Brighton could yet make late runs, all but ending one club’s hopes would be a major boost.
Playing for a draw is simply not in Newcastle’s nature, Howe was right to laugh the suggestion off.
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