The Magpies edged a 4-3 win against Leeds and Eddie Howe said Kevin Keegan’s cancer news rocked the dressing room
Eddie Howe (left) and Kevin Keegan
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe admitted that the dressing room was “shaken” by news that Kevin Keegan had been diagnosed with cancer before the game.
The Magpies won a 4-3 classic that Keegan would have been proud of against Leeds, and Howe admitted that his aim has always been to play like the Entertainers. His players did not let him down with a super show at St James’ Park but it was a nervous old affair and Howe was put through his paces in the technical area on a crazy night.
Howe said: “The team that Keegan created was truly special, and it is still talked about.
“We’re always trying to be that team, we want the supporters on the edge of their seats. Today was us at our thrilling best without playing at our best. The news before the game shook us all up. We want to pay tribute to him and send him all our love.”
When trying to sum up a game that saw Newcastle behind three times before winning in at the death, thanks to goals from Harvey Barnes (2), Bruno Guimaraes (pen) and Joelinton, Howe reflected: “It’s difficult to sum it up in a few words. It was one of those classic games here where I don’t think we were at our best, but we showed great character, we kept fighting, and always believed we’ve got goals in us.
“It turned our way at the end, which is a rare thing for us. We haven’t done it enough this season, especially, we’ve gone the other way and lost points from late in the game, so it’s great to go the other way today.
“It wasn’t a perfect performance, there’s stuff to reflect and improve, but the mentality is the key thing in everything and if you’re losing, you need that ‘never say die’ spirit, especially with the attacking players we’ve got.
“Great to see the substitutes come on and make a difference again, that’s so pleasing for the squad strength and winning late gives everyone a lift.”
Newcastle boss Howe also felt that his team actually got a boost by conceding goals on an incredible night. The game swung one way then another as United were forced to constantly respond to adversity.
They trailed three times on a bitter evening before fighting back each time, and eventually winning the game in the 102nd minute thanks to Barnes’ super strike.
Howe said: “Maybe conceding helped us in this game because it gave us something to chase and a bit more freedom.
“I’m delighted for Harvey to score the winning goal. It’s a great moment for him, he’s done it before for us, but he deserves it.
“Our plan is to try and attack like that all the time but of course there’s two teams trying to do the same thing.
“I want to free the players up, I want them to express themselves in the best way possible, we’ve got some great attackers and creative players here so confidence is key and that should lift it.”