Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe on Kevin Keegan tribute and Leeds United thriller
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe saw his side bag a 102nd-minute winner to eventually beat Leeds United 4-3 at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe said his Newcastle United team were at their thrilling best without playing their best after a 4-3 win over Leeds United at St James' Park paid the perfect tribute to Kevin Keegan.
It was announced prior to the game that Newcastle legend Keegan is battling cancer and what the two teams provided was an encounter reminiscent of the entertainment his tenure was known for.
"Huge, such an inspirational figure," said Howe. "One of the first things I did when I took the job was ring him. He was unbelievable with his time and insight. I've been lucky enough to meet him a couple of times and he's always been so kind, gracious and giving. And he's such a funny man. I could listen to his stories for a long, long time.
"That team he created was incredibly special and still talked about for how it played and the entertainment it gave everyone. We're always trying to be that team, we want the supporters on the edge of their seats. Today was us at our thrilling best without playing at our best. The news before the game shook us all up. We want to pay tribute to him and send him all our love."
Leeds led the game three times but were continually pegged back and then having had chances to win it, conceded a 102nd-minute winner to Harvey Barnes' strike. The newly-promoted side caused huge problems for the team sitting sixth in the Premier League but Howe was in no mood to discuss negatives from his team's point of view.
“We're under no illusions they're a tough team”
"I said to the players I don't want to talk about any negatives, it wasn't our finest performance but I want to focus on the positives," he said.
"The comeback win, the late winner, the unity, the never-say-die spirit. That win will do us the world of good. Three massive games for our Premier League season. The win at Burnley was huge for us, we needed to get some solidity. Leeds played very well tonight, we're under no illusions they're a tough team, seven unbeaten. The drive the players had to be successful was huge."
Newcastle suffered a major injury blow in the second half when Fabian Schar, who came off the bench at half-time, was stretchered off after a challenge with Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
"Fabian is in hospital, it doesn't look good for him," said Howe. "It's an ankle problem. We send him our love, such an important player for us."