Eddie Howe – We are a really United club

Eddie Howe watched on as his side tore Brentford apart.

United scoring four and it could and should have been more.

Newcastle went three up and whilst Brentford pulled a couple back with smart finishes of their own, this was a great sign off for the season.

Fittingly, Bruno Guimaraes with the final strike of the season for NUFC, ensuring a 4-2 win and seventh place in the league.

Eddie Howe can be rightly proud of what he and his squad have achieved this season, to the backdrop of an unprecedented injury situation, far worse than what any other Premier League club has experienced this season.

Eddie Howe believing Newcastle United can be a very competitive force next season and signed off for the season with a message of ‘We are a really United club.’

Eddie Howe speaking to BBC Sport after Brentford 2 Newcastle 4:

“It summed up our season.

“We weren’t totally secure at the back but great credit to the players.

“They have done their job – now we wait and see.

“We anticipated after losing against Manchester United that our control of the [European] situation had gone.

“It’s never a nice situation but whatever happens, happens.

“We have issues to solve defensively.

“If we can do that, next season could be another season of really strong performances.

“This was a season that could have been better, but a good season overall.

“We are a really United club.

“I think we are still moving forward, so there’s a lot to be positive about.”

Stats via BBC Sport:

Brentford 2 Newcastle 4 – Sunday 19 May 4pm

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Barnes 21, Murphy 36, Isak 38, Bruno 77

Brentford:

Janelt 48, Wissa 70

(Half-time stats in brackets)

Possession was Brentford 53% (54%) Newcastle 47% (46%)

Total shots were Brentford 10 (3) Newcastle 12 (8)

Shots on target were Brentford 5 (1) Newcastle 7 (5)

Corners were Brentford 3 (1) Newcastle 0 (0)

Touches in the box Brentford 12 (5) Newcastle 29 (19)

Newcastle team v Brentford:

Pope; Krafth, Schar (Dummett 90+2), Burn, Hall; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton (Trippier 81); J Murphy (Almiron 68), Isak (Wilson 81), Barnes (Anderson 68)

Unused subs:

Dubravka, Ritchie, White, A Murphy

(Brentford 2 Newcastle 4 – Instant Newcastle United fan / writer reaction – Read HERE)

(Match Report : Brentford 2 Newcastle 4 – Brazilliance in the sunshine – Read HERE)