Eddie Howe believes Fabian Schar’s early red card helped “electrify” Newcastle United during their 1-0 win over Southampton.
The Magpies started the new Premier League season with a win and Joelinton’s goal in the 45th minute decided the matter at St. James’ Park.
However, the hosts were forced to play with ten men for over an hour as Schar was sent off for violent conduct after tackling Ben Brereton Diaz, who appeared to have gone down a little too easily.
Still, they withstood their numerical inferiority and stubbornly held Southampton at bay, with Lewis Hall clearing off the line to stop former Newcastle striker Adam Armstrong’s attack.
The Magpies achieved their fourth consecutive Premier League victory against the Saints despite only 22.3% possession and only three shots on goal compared to their opponents’ 19.
“It wasn’t a pretty game,” said Howe. “The result is unbelievable for us, but the road to get there was very, very difficult.”
“The sending off changed the game completely. The physical contact was minimal. It was a harsh sending off, but we will learn from it.”
“I don’t know if a red card really helps you, but it makes you get inspiration from the crowd – and that made a difference. We needed something to motivate us and (the red card did it). We had our backs against the wall and I think (the fans) knew how much we needed them.
“Last season we scored a lot of goals, but conceded too many. We worked a lot on our defense in preseason. The players regrouped today and put in a great performance. We blocked shots right down to the last man and covered the spaces very well.”
Howe also congratulated stand-in captain Bruno Guimaraes, who wore the captain’s armband while Kieran Trippier was on the bench, for his action-packed performance in midfield.
“I think he set a good example,” said Newcastle’s head coach about the Brazilian international, who was in the lead with 12 duels won, six fouls won and four tackles won – the most games for himself.
“He covered every blade of grass defensively. He was outstanding today. I thought Sean (Longstaff) and Joelinton were equally good.”
