Eddie Howe took part in a customary lap of honour with his Newcastle United players on Saturday afternoon, giving a big double fist pump to fans who had stayed behind in the Gallowgate End after the full-time whistle. The show of passion earned a big cheer from the remaining supporters as the Toon boss turned towards the dugout with a beaming grin on his face.
Miguel Almiron's stunning goal at Fulham last week also saw a typically calm Howe break out into a rarely-seen jubilant celebration on the touchline. But the Newcastle chief isn't one to get carried away despite the fact he is clearly enjoying life on Tyneside after recent performances.
The 5-1 win over Brentford follows the 4-1 rout at Craven Cottage earlier in the month, with Newcastle heading to Old Trafford on Sunday full of confidence and in the Premier League top six. However, Howe admits there were negatives during Saturday's St James' Park victory, as he continues to seek perfection with his side.
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"There's definitely more to come," he told reporters after the Brentford win. "There were elements of the game today that we weren't happy with, which will always be the case under my eye because I want perfection.
"We had a slow start and the goal that went to VAR was maybe the jolt we needed. I'm glad we responded well to that and as I say, the first goal is always important today and I'm glad we got it."
Howe hasn't fallen into the trap of sharing his internal targets with the fanbase or the media thus far. Instead, the former Bournemouth boss wants to avoid any unnecessary outside pressure. Much has been made of the fact Newcastle now sit in the top six following Saturday's win, with the aim now to continue upsetting the apple cart.
Howe has the fans firmly on board with his vision, the board 100 per cent behind him and a lot of capital in the bank after a near-perfect 11 months in the St James' Park dugout. However, the next period of games will prove testing for Newcastle.
Howe said: "Now, we enter a really tough three-game week, and we’re well aware that those games are difficult. We’ll enjoy tonight, and enjoy the feeling of how well the team has done, but then quickly focus on what’s ahead."
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