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Howe Lauds ‘Gold Dust’ Joelinton as Newcastle’s Tactical Shift Overcomes Forest Challenge
Eddie Howe’s post-match analysis following Newcastle’s 3-1 victory at the City Ground revealed both strategic insight and particular praise for Joelinton’s match-winning contribution. The Brazilian’s exquisite left-footed curler, which nestled in off the post past Matz Sels, proved decisive in a game that initially played into Nottingham Forest’s hands.
Despite falling behind to Murillo’s first Forest goal, Newcastle’s resilience shone through with Alexander Isak equalizing before Joelinton’s moment of brilliance. Harvey Barnes would later seal the triumph, but it was Howe’s tactical adjustments and Joelinton’s versatility that drew the manager’s most effusive praise.
“Joelinton is like gold dust,” Howe told Sky Sports, highlighting the Brazilian’s remarkable adaptability. “Wherever you put him, you know he’s going to do a good job. His attitude never changes in training, even as he adapts to different positions.”
However, Howe’s analysis wasn’t entirely congratulatory. He acknowledged his team’s first-half shortcomings, noting their play was “too slow and not direct enough,” with sideways passing playing into Forest’s gameplan. The manager’s demand for “more energy, more sprinting, and more direct duels” in the second half proved transformative.
The victory carries additional significance in what Howe describes as an extraordinarily tight Premier League season. While expressing satisfaction with recent performances that show Newcastle “looking much more like ourselves,” he maintains there’s “still more to come.”
This win, secured through tactical adaptation and individual brilliance, could prove crucial in Newcastle’s pursuit of consistent victories – what Howe calls the elusive “formula” every team seeks in this competitive campaign.
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