Newcastle’s recent 1-1 draw against Brighton wasn’t a classic performance, but it showed heart.
With just minutes left, Alexander Isak slotted in an 89th-minute penalty to snatch a point, which also was Newcastle’s first Premier League draw since the 3-3 mouth-watering clash against Liverpool at St James’ Park on December 5.
This was also their sixth league draw all season; Eddie Howe’s men have made a habit of going for broke: 14 wins, 6 defeats, and just those six stalemates have come in the last 26 league games.
No side in the top flight has won more in that stretch. But it also is Newcastle’s longest run in Premier League history without a single draw. Only 11 teams in the league’s history have endured longer streaks without sharing the points.
After the game, the Toon boss reflected on their all-or-nothing style. Howe said: “If you look at our season as a whole, we probably haven't dug out enough points in games that are in the balance, which is surprising, really.
But we are a team that's set up to try and win, so you've got to be careful what you wish for. We want to win games and we'll attack and try and do that, but if you can't, make sure you don't lose the game. I thought today was a really battling performance.”
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And now, former Sunderland boss Roy Keane has had his say. His verdict? All praise for Howe and Newcastle’s approach.
Roy Keane hails Newcastle’s winning mindset
Roy Keane believes Newcastle can finish second in the Premier League
"Huge ((Newcastle’s chances of finishing second). I think the confidence they would have gained in the last few months, they have that great belief that they can do it in the big matches," said Keane.
He added, "Obviously they did it in the cup final. They recovered after getting knocked out of the FA Cup by Brighton."
"The league form is fantastic, the pace in the team and physicality… they have the momentum," Keane continued.
He praised the manager, saying, "Eddie Howe has done a fantastic job there, it's good to see him back."
Keane concluded, "Again, that belief in their camp that they can compete with the top teams and go and beat them."
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