Newcastle United reflect on winning streaks and Eddie Howe’s strategic decision post-Arsenal
Newcastle aim to secure their first streak of eight consecutive competitive wins since 2017
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe believes the challenge for his team has evolved significantly.
After a difficult period marked by a 4-2 defeat at Brentford, the focus was on halting a downward spiral.
Now, the Magpies find themselves at the opposite end of the spectrum, riding a wave of victories.
Having ended a four-game winless run before Christmas, Newcastle have surged ahead and are aiming for an eighth consecutive win, with their next test against Bromley.
The last time Newcastle achieved such a streak was during the 2016/17 Championship season under Rafa Benitez.
While that run of eight wins was impressive, the club’s record remains the 13 consecutive victories achieved under Kevin Keegan between May and October 1992.
Currently, Newcastle are enjoying their best form since a nine-game winning streak under Benitez in 2016.
Under Howe, the team also delivered a five-game winning streak in 2023, which played a key role in securing Champions League qualification.
However, maintaining peak performance is widely considered more challenging than reaching it, a sentiment Howe acknowledged during a press conference with Chronicle Live.
He said, “That is the challenge. The biggest compliment I can give the players is how they’ve conducted themselves in the last three games.”
Reflecting on recent victories, Newcastle fans are buoyed by away wins against Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Arsenal.
Howe praised his players, highlighting their sustained focus and energy, stating, “There was no drop-off in focus or energy levels. We kept going right until the end.”
Aware of the physical and mental demands on his squad, Howe took a pragmatic approach by giving his players a brief respite after their grueling trio of away games.
This break, coming between the Arsenal clash and the upcoming Bromley fixture, was an opportunity to recharge and prevent burnout.
Looking ahead, Newcastle are set to field a rotated lineup against the League Two side, with Howe emphasizing the importance of keeping his players fresh and focused.
He explained, “We’ve been fortunate to have a small break in the schedule to refresh the players, ensuring they have energy and aren’t overloaded with information.
Overloading can sometimes lead to a drop in performance.”
Howe remains determined to maintain momentum, cautioning, “Now we can’t lose focus again. We have a big spell of games coming up, and we don’t want anything to derail us.”
