Newcastle United news: Eddie Howe hails ‘outstanding’ players as Magpies boost survival bid
- Seb Sternik
- 22 January 2022
Newcastle picked up just their second Premier League victory of the season as they edged Leeds at Elland Road to boost their survival hopes.
The Magpies are now unbeaten in three games and are up to 18th in the standings following the 1-0 victory.
Jonjo Shelvey secured all three points after converting a free-kick in the 75th minute.
Newcastle are now just one point behind Norwich and await a clash with out-of-form Everton in their next league outing.
Manager Eddie Howe was delighted with the result saying: "To a man, everybody really contributed to that win today. There was incredible intensity in the game and there always is when you play Leeds.
"We had to be really good physically. We obviously ended up with a few injuries off the back of that, but it was a heroic effort in the sense that we committed everything to the game and I thought the players were outstanding."
The club were expected to significantly strengthen their squad during the January transfer window, however they've only managed to get two deals over the line - Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid and Chris Wood from Burnley.
When asked about the current transfer situation, Howe added: "As far as I know we're not close to anything as I sit here now.
"(This win) might help us in the market, who knows? We've said we will be active right until the last day.
"We're looking to improve the squad, probably more importantly now after today with the three injuries that we've suffered.
"I know everyone behind the scenes, having spoken this morning to them again, we're working and we'll give you news when we get it."
The Magpies have been linked with almost every player under the sun, but it appears that their precarious position in the table is causing many rumoured names to reconsider.
What's more, it must be noted that the two teams below Newcastle in the table could still close the gap with their games in hand. Watford have played one game less than the Magpies while Burnley are still four games behind.
