Eddie Howe Bournemouth
Jamal Lewis did not get a decent opportunity to show Newcastle United fans what he’s all about against Norwich City on Tuesday night. Or at least that is the view of Eddie Howe who was hoping to see Lewis get the chance to show his trademark forward runs against his old side having been handed a start due to Matt Ritchie’s yellow card at Arsenal in the 2-0 defeat on Saturday. Whether Howe recalls Ritchie to start against Burnley remains to be seen but Howe is certainly keen to see more from the £15million full-back.
Eddie Howe said: “I thought he did very well, in a game when we did not have much of the ball. He is obviously a real attacking left-back who has great athleticism and great ability to go box to box. We didn’t see that because of the situation of the game vs Norwich. What he did do was he defended really well and diligently and worked well with Joelinton in front of him. And I was very, very pleased with the effort that he gave.”
United take on the Clarets looking for a victory at the 15th attempt in the Premier League but while Howe is desperate for his first win as boss he knows the common phrase “must-win” is a dangerous one.
Eddie Howe said: “I think the word must-win is a difficult one for me to use. Of course, we know we need to win the game and want to win the game. But we just have to concentrate on day to day preparation and give everything like we did against Norwich.”
Howe’s opening month as boss has been eventful to say the least. After long-winded talks he was appointed before going down with Covid and missing his first game. And his first game was just nine minutes in when Ciaran Clark was sent off against Norwich earlier this week to dent his hopes of a first win.
Eddie Howe reflected: “You never know what’s around the corner in this game and Norwich was dramatic. It was a game that once we got the lead I was hoping and praying we got over the line. I know the crowd helped us do that I thought they were magnificent, the atmosphere was really, really special and again I know it’s something I have said but if we created that every game what an environment for the players to play in. It was my first home game but a very special experience.”
