Eddie Howe's Diego Simeone lesson paying off as…

Eddie Howe's Diego Simeone lesson paying off as Newcastle do what Premier League big boys cannot

Eddie Howe has made his critics and naysayers look beyond brainless in recent months. Former players, pundits and supporters - both on Tyneside and further afield - questioned the 44-year-old’s ability to coach a defence.

Let us take ex-England international Danny Mills, for example. After Howe’s appointment last November, he bullishly wrote: “Is he (Howe) the man to help them survive? Phwoar, I don’t know. I’m not 100 per cent sure I’m convinced by that.

“That will be an interesting one to see how it works out. Is Howe the right man for survival? I’ll take some convincing. They (Bournemouth) went down because they didn’t have a solid defence. His last job was relegation. Are you going to put the job of staying up on someone who’s just been relegated?”

I suspect Mills' humble pie will not taste anywhere near as sweet as Newcastle's renaissance under Howe...

Relegation should not serve as a black mark against an up-and-coming manager. Jurgen Klopp, Antonio Conte and even the great Arsene Wenger all succumbed to the drop early in their careers.

At Bournemouth, Howe was renowned for his attacking style of play - but that came at a cost. An alarming 330 goals conceded in 190 top-flight fixtures (1.74 per game) was the fuel for his critics’ fire when he first waltzed through the door at St James’ Park.

However, over a year of reflection before joining Newcastle allowed Howe to reinvent himself - and learn - as a manager. During a 15-month hiatus from the game, the Toon boss took an educational trip around Europe, observing coaching sessions from elite operators like Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid.

How ironic that Simeone's style - a gutsy, never-say-die approach that is notorious among football fans - has been utilised by Howe on occasion to grind out results. One of the Argentine’s proteges, Kieran Trippier, has returned to England with a bite, tutored in the dark arts and defensive know-how synonymous with his former boss.

This new-look Newcastle are no mugs - and the stats prove it. Astonishingly, the Magpies have the best defensive record in the Premier League this season. Just nine goals conceded means United are as difficult as anyone in the division to break down.

One last-gasp, controversial loss against Liverpool in 11 games is the only blemish on an otherwise flawless start. The Magpies have conceded 31 goals in 30 games (1.03 per game) in 2022, putting Howe’s Bournemouth record to shame but, most importantly, highlighting his evolution as a manager.

Newcastle also bucked a trend to claim a valuable away point last weekend. Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are flying high in the top flight but, despite boasting impressive starts to the campaign, the two North London clubs - as well as Liverpool - came unstuck at Old Trafford.

Manchester United may not be the all-conquering Red Devils side of old but they still pose a formidable threat on home soil. Newcastle digging deep and keeping Erik ten Hag’s men at arm’s length while still creating chances to win the game is a feat they could not have achieved a short while ago.

Following this up with another clean sheet at St James’ Park to brush aside Everton cemented Howe’s progression. The Toffees mustered just one shot all match, allowing Newcastle to pick up three points without playing particularly well.

Those who doubted the ex-Cherries’ boss now look foolish as Howe appears to have mastered the balance between defence and attack. Through his willingness to travel and learn, the ability to coach a defence has become another feather in Howe’s cap rather than a stick used to beat him with.

Eddie Howe's Diego Simeone lesson paying off as Newcastle do what Premier League big boys cannot

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