Eddie Howe urges Newcastle gamers to understand potential after Champions League thrashing

Newcastle supervisor Eddie Howe believes his aspect’s big Champions League win over Qarabag can act as a reminder of the extent they’re able to reaching.

The Magpies produced a dominant show in Baku, thrashing the Azerbaijani champions 6-1 to take a commanding benefit into subsequent week’s second leg at St James’ Park.

Both Barcelona or Chelsea await the winners within the subsequent spherical.

Newcastle raced right into a 5-0 lead by half-time, overwhelming their hosts in one in every of their most full European performances in recent times.

Talking afterwards, Howe stated the consequence ought to reinforce perception contained in the dressing room that this group of gamers can compete with the perfect.

“My hope is that it simply re-affirms our perception that we will be an excellent workforce.

“Once we’re at our highest, we generally is a match for anyone. I’ve all the time maintained this season that we will be, it’s in fact discovering this degree as a lot as we will, as persistently as we will.

“I feel you may see the extreme focus from the gamers was there from very early within the recreation after which we’ve received the standard once we’re in that type of temper.

“It’s a very helpful time for us to provide a show like this to hopefully simply inform ourselves that we generally is a high workforce once more.”

Anthony Gordon was the star of the night time, scoring 4 occasions. The ahead had by no means beforehand registered a senior hat-trick however left the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium along with his Champions League tally for the season as much as 10 targets, surpassing the nice Alan Shearer’s membership file within the competitors.

Additional targets from Malick Thiaw and substitute Jacob Murphy accomplished the rout, whereas Elvin Jafarguliyev scored a late comfort for Qarabag, which is more likely to matter little for the return journey to the North-East of England.

Regardless of his outstanding private achievement, Gordon centered on the collective efficiency.

“The data are good, in fact, however soccer is concerning the workforce. Particular person moments solely matter if the workforce succeeds and tonight, that was crucial factor.

“I’m very proud, not simply of myself, however of everybody concerned. It’s by no means simple to return right here, so I’m actually joyful for the entire group.”

There was a quick on-field disagreement earlier than one in every of Newcastle’s penalties, with captain Kieran Trippier additionally eager to take duty, however Howe dismissed any suggestion of an issue.

“Anthony naturally wished to take the second penalty and I perceive why there’s a debate over it generally. That’s not clear when there are two in a single recreation. However he took each penalties fantastically and I’m happy with that.

“Kieran’s solely ever attempting to assist the workforce, so I feel it’s a optimistic scenario somewhat than unfavorable.”

Newcastle will nonetheless strategy the return leg with nice care, significantly with Thiaw suspended after amassing a 3rd reserving of the marketing campaign.

“Sure, we’ve had a great recreation right now, however we take nothing as a right within the second leg”, Howe added.

Issues don’t decelerate for the Magpies, who journey to the Etihad to face Manchester Metropolis on the weekend.