Eddie Howe calls for consistency from ‘elite team’ Newcastle, admits Aston Villa win brought 'mixed emotions'

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted the impressive 3-1 victory at Aston Villa on Tuesday brought “mixed emotions” as he called on his side to show greater consistency.

After the high of securing a UEFA Champions League place last season, it has been a somewhat frustrating campaign for Newcastle, who remain 11 points adrift of the top four after four consecutive league losses.

Having been drawn in the ‘group of death’, Newcastle crashed out of European football altogether after finishing bottom of a pool containing Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan.

They have also already lost 10 league games – twice as many as they suffered in the entire 2022/23 season, although they have been hindered by a significant injury list.

But the Magpies reminded everyone of their finest qualities in a resounding win at Villa Park, ending Villa’s unbeaten home record in some style.

Howe was delighted with his side’s performance but called on his players to find consistency.

He told TNT Sports: “It’s sort of mixed emotions for me because I look at that team tonight and the way we played and I think it’s an elite team that is capable of achieving great things.

“The mixed emotions part is that we haven’t seen that for a number of weeks and it’s been a really challenging period for us.

“A number of injuries, the team has looked disjointed. Today we looked much more like ourselves.

“We had players that had been injured come back and had a bit of game time now and I think that’s showing in their performances.

“When you’re in my shoes and you’re coaching and managing the team, you want to see a team that is linked to how you want them to play.

“Most importantly is the spirit and determination to do well and execute our best level. And I think that has been there, I just think the frustration has been that we’ve just looked a little bit off colour. We haven’t looked fluent for reasons that sometimes have been beyond the players’ control.

“But today I saw the identity that we were looking for.”

He continued: "We know every game is so tough but of course we hope to use this as a springboard to get back our very best levels consistently."

A number of players have been linked with a move away from Newcastle as they reportedly face a battle to meet the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules, but Howe doesn't believe there will be any outgoings before the January transfer window closes.

"I don't know, I mean, I don't think so at this late stage," he responded when asked if any players will be sold before Friday.

"I think I'd be more than happy for the window to shut with no ins or outs."

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