When Eddie Howe arrived at Newcastle United, the club was in severe danger of relegation. Even with the new manager and a big January transfer window expected, few would have believed that the Magpies would hit 37 points with six games left to play. Given that 35 points has been enough to secure Premier League safety for the last five seasons, they are effectively now safe.
Former Newcastle striker, Michael Owen has praised Howe for the improvement his side have made in his column for Bet Victor, in which he backed the Magpies to beat Crystal Palace 1-0 this evening. He gave special praise for the way in which the Magpies have improved defensively, when they had been one of the worst sides in the league in this regard in the first half of the season.
"He’s done a brilliant job, I actually think it’s gone under the radar," Owen said. "Defensively, he’s really improved things and that’s been a huge factor in their recent form. Five home wins in a row, St James’ is becoming a fortress!"
Dan Burn - a £13million January signing from Brighton & Hove Albion - has been a major part of that defensive improvement. Since he made his debut against Aston Villa in February, the club have conceded only 11 goals in ten games. Before that point, they had conceded 46 goals in just 25 games.
After such a strong turnaround in the second half of the season, Howe will be determined for the team to finish the season as well as possible. The ownership have major ambitions for the future and a healthy finishing position will help with signing more players like Burn and Bruno Guimaraes, in order to continue climbing the table and leaving any worries about relegation battles in the past.
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