Eddie Howe delivers verdict on Newcastle’s ‘important win’ against Wolves

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has lauded his side’s ‘important’ victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at St James’ Park today.

The Magpies finally ended a run of five league games without a win as goals from Alexander Isak and Miguel Amiron on either side of halftime helped secure a 2-1 success over Julen Lopetegui’s side.

The victory means Newcastle have moved ahead of Liverpool into fifth place, holding a two-point advantage over the Reds with a game in hand.

Howe was left impressed by his side’s performance, insisting he was delighted with the win before praising Wolves for their second-half display.

“We’re delighted – it was a really important game,” Howe told NUFC TV. “I thought first-half we were very good today, really good performance – probably should have been more than the 1-0 up at half-time. 

“Wolves showed their class in the second half because that was a really tough 45 minutes but delighted we got over the line to win.”

Howe’s side could not have picked a better time to return to winning ways as they had previously found themselves slowly slipping out of the top four race.

The Magpies will travel to City Ground for Friday night’s clash with Nottingham Forest. It will be their final match before the international break, and Howe has warned that his side will need to be prepared for a difficult game against the Tricky Trees.

“Yeah, that’s the challenge that awaits us,” Howe added. “I think it’s going to be a difficult game for us.

“Nottingham Forest have done very well this season – they’ve got some good results, so we’re prepared for a tough battle, but I think we go there now in really renewed form and very positive in our thinking.”

Forest have failed to win any of their last five league games, alternating between defeat and a draw, but the Magpies will do well to avoid complacency as they push for victory to further their ambitions.