‘I love that’ – Eddie Howe praises Woltemade after record Champions League win | OneFootball

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has lauded Nick Woltemade after an ‘excellent’ display in huge Champions League victory.

The Magpies must have been downbeat after Arsenal snatched victory against them with a 96th minute winner at St James Park on Sunday. Their Champions League campaign had begun with a similarly demoralising 2-0 defeat at home to Barcelona.

With his side still struggling to build any form, Howe desperately needed a strong performance from his players and that is exactly what they delivered.

Newcastle demolished Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise 4-0, recording their biggest ever Champions League victory. It was also Howe’s maiden away win in the competition and Newcastle’s first since 2003.

“Travelling out here that’s what we would have wanted, especially after the Arsenal ending,” said Howe. “That was a big response from the players because that was a painful way to lose that game.

“The players had to dig deep, look within themselves and come out fighting again – that’s what we do best.

“We scored four away from home, we couldn’t have asked for anymore than that.

“Hopefully it helps us when we return to the Premier League because we’ve been waiting for a performance like that.

“It was a big step in the right direction and at an important stage in the Champions League.”

Summer signing Woltemade was on the scoresheet for the second time this week.

“He performed really well,” praised Howe. “His link up play is such a big part of what he does and it was excellent today.

“His potential is high. There are certain things that we want to get more from him.

Newcastle’s boss continued: “His standout qualities are his technical ability and his knack for scoring goals, which is great thing to have. And of course his height and his presence.

“It’s an exciting start for him, he’s done really well.

“Most importantly, he’s willing. He wants to do the work and he wants to improve. There is more to come.”

Two of Newcastle’s goals came from the penalty spot. Both were converted by Anthony Gordon but Woltemade was keen to take them.

“I love that,” insisted Howe. “The best strikers I’ve seen and worked with want to score. Even if there is a directive, they don’t care.

“They want to score and they want that responsibility because that’s what they live to do. I’ve got no issue with that at all.”