Eddie Howe hailed a “special connection” with Newcastle fans after a gritty 2-1 win at Tottenham eased the mounting pressure on his tenure.
Just days after being booed off at St James’ Park following a loss to Brentford, Howe was serenaded by a jubilant away end.
In a symbolic moment, players Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier pushed a reluctant Howe toward the supporters to celebrate.
“I’m grateful it’s still there,” Howe said of the bond. “I’ve got to feel that the players are playing for me. Today they showed they are.”
Summer signings Malick Thiaw and Jacob Ramsey provided the goals, vindicating a heavily criticized £250m spend.
Howe benched £124m strike duo Woltemade and Wissa, instead using Anthony Gordon as a mobile central threat to spearhead a relentless press.
While Newcastle celebrated, Spurs manager Thomas Frank faced “sacked in the morning” chants from his own fans.
The victory marks only Newcastle’s third away win of the season, moving the club past a period of intense “soul searching” after a run of one win in eight games.
