Newcastle United vs Sunderland: Read Eddie Howe's pre-match message | OneFootball

It’s always special to return home, and today carries added significance for everyone connected with our club and this region for obvious reasons.

I haven’t had the privilege of leading the team into this fixture at St. James’ Park before, but I know the atmosphere you generate on occasions like this is unique and I know we’ll feel that energy when we emerge from the tunnel.

It feels like a lot has happened since our previous home match here against Barcelona. That night showed the very best of us – intensity, bravery, ambition and real quality. We were seconds away from a result that matched the level of our performance, and while the ending was difficult to take, it was a reminder of how far we’ve come and what we’re truly capable of on the biggest stage.

The second leg at the Nou Camp ended with understandable disappointment, but with pride at the overall European campaign.

We had started so brightly on Wednesday and scored two excellent goals that kept the tie incredibly close. Both goals demonstrated real quality – from our off-the-ball work and winning possession back, to our passing, movement and finishing from Anthony Elanga. We played with real authority for long spells in the first half and looked a constant threat, but we also acknowledge that we made some mistakes, especially defensively.

The second half was more challenging. In my opinion, it ended with a scoreline that didn’t fully tell the full story of the match or reflect just how closely we had pushed and threatened a team of Barcelona’s quality over two legs.

But across the entire Champions League campaign, the players have been a credit to the club. We’ve broken new ground in terms of qualifying for the knockout phase in this new format, learned so much, and created memories that will stay with us. Our ambition is to use that experience to keep growing and to return stronger.

Between those two European fixtures, we earned an excellent win away at Chelsea. Having given so much against Barcelona, it was a huge test of character at Stamford Bridge, but the players responded brilliantly. Anthony Gordon’s first-half goal was fully deserved, and from there we defended with discipline, unity and determination. It was a performance to be proud of and a win that underlined our resilience.

That victory added to our strong league form, giving us back‑to‑back Premier League wins as we look to attack the final part of the season with real purpose. We want to build momentum, maintain high standards, and push as hard as we can to finish the campaign in the strongest way possible.

That is possible with you behind us. You have the power to drive us on and inspire the players to new heights. The atmosphere you created against Barcelona was extraordinary and you lifted the players from the first minute. Your backing at Chelsea made a difference and got us over the line. And those who travelled to Spain represented our club magnificently, including staying with us in tougher moments.

Today, we return to Premier League action and we know what is at stake. Our focus is simple: play our football, perform with intensity, and do everything possible to reward your loyalty.

Enjoy the game.

Eddie Howe.

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