Eddie Howe Bournemouth
Shay Given, the former Newcastle United stalwart, got a bit too carried away on BBC’s Football Focus set as he witnessed Alexander Isak’s decisive goal against Arsenal. The Gunners were trailing when Isak outjumped defenders William Saliba and Gabriel to nod in an exquisite cross from Anthony Gordon. This goal marked a moment of exultation for the St James’ Park crowd, ending their wait for a victory that extended since mid-September. Given, who boasts over 450 appearances for the Magpies across 12 years, was naturally elated by his former team’s performance.
Caught up in the thrill during the live Newcastle match on the Football Focus programme, Given couldn’t contain his joy when Isak scored, resulting in accidental studio damage. The ex-goalkeeper confessed to breaking a light on the set due to kicking a table in a burst of jubilation.
Shay Given said, “I just kicked the table by mistake so apologies. Cover it in my expenses. Why did I do that? 1-0 to the Toon.”
In the post-match interview on Match of the Day, Eddie Howe reflected on his team’s performance and the challenges they faced leading up to this victory.
Eddie Howe said, “You have to be really strong mentality and know results will turn if you continue to do the right things. It has been a difficult week with the fixtures but the players have done really well. Today’s performance was built on hard work, desire, and a lot of really good defending in the second half. I thought we looked good. I wouldn’t say it is a trademark goal for Alex but really pleased to see it. Anthony can give you that on his natural right-hand side and it was a great ball. It was always going to take a moment like that as it was a game of few chances. It was 95 minutes of concentration and consistency in our attitude. We managed and controlled some very good players pretty well today. It’s three points but it means so much because we hadn’t won for a while in the Premier League. I’m sure it will do us the world of good.”
