Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright believes Eddie Howe has started to prove the doubters wrong after he guided Newcastle United to a 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion. It was another crucial victory as the Magpies lift themselves away from the drop zone.
The Magpies began the game on the back foot but took the lead in the 12th minute as Ryan Fraser slammed the ball home after Jacob Murphy's shot hit the post. This sparked Newcastle into life and they doubled their advantage when Fraser turned provider, curling in a sublime cross for Fabian Schar to head into the corner.
Although Brighton were much-improved in the second-half and pulled one back through Lewis Dunk, Newcastle held on to claim another important victory. The result leaves the Magpies in 14th, seven points clear of the relegation zone heading into the final third of the season.
READ MORE: Game-changer Fraser, Newcastle's £13m bonus and Ashworth's excitement
It's safe to say Howe is doing a terrific job given the position the Magpies were when he took over back in November. They were rock bottom and without a win from their opening 14 matches.
Fast forward to Sunday, March 6 and Newcastle are a completely different proposition. Howe has managed to instil a renewed sense of belief amongst the squad, picking up 18 points from their last 24 available.
Only Liverpool have a better record since the turn of the year which vindicates the Magpies' excellent run of form recently. And Wright has been impressed with how Howe has turned things around at St James' Park.
He told Match of the Day : "I'm pleased for Eddie. When he got the job, eyebrows were raised simply because of the calibre of manager they were being linked with bringing. But he's a very experienced manager and he's started to prove that he's got what it takes to get them out of it."
Micah Richards added: "With all this money in January, you have to get this certain type of player. Burn has been a brilliant signing, Targett on loan has been excellent as well, they've got the right fit of players."
Newcastle will be looking to stretch their unbeaten run to nine matches when they take on Southampton in a rearranged fixture on Thursday night.
