Newcastle supervisor Eddie Howe believes his aspect’s big Champions League win over Qarabag can act as a reminder of the extent they’re able to reaching.
The Magpies produced a dominant show in Baku, thrashing the Azerbaijani champions 6-1 to take a commanding benefit into subsequent week’s second leg at St James’ Park.
Both Barcelona or Chelsea await the winners within the subsequent spherical.
Newcastle raced right into a 5-0 lead by half-time, overwhelming their hosts in certainly one of their most full European performances lately.
Talking afterwards, Howe stated the consequence ought to reinforce perception contained in the dressing room that this group of gamers can compete with the easiest.
“My hope is that it simply re-affirms our perception that we could be an impressive staff.
“Once we’re at our best, we could be a match for anyone. I’ve at all times maintained this season that we could be, it’s in fact discovering this stage as a lot as we are able to, as constantly as we are able to.
“I feel you might see the extraordinary focus from the gamers was there from very early within the recreation after which we’ve bought the standard after we’re in that type of temper.
“It’s a extremely helpful time for us to supply a show like this to hopefully simply inform ourselves that we could be a high staff once more.”
Anthony Gordon was the star of the evening, scoring 4 occasions. The ahead had by no means beforehand registered a senior hat-trick however left the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium along with his Champions League tally for the season as much as 10 targets, surpassing the good Alan Shearer’s membership report within the competitors.
Additional targets from Malick Thiaw and substitute Jacob Murphy accomplished the rout, whereas Elvin Jafarguliyev scored a late comfort for Qarabag, which is more likely to matter little for the return journey to the North-East of England.
Regardless of his exceptional private achievement, Gordon centered on the collective efficiency.
“The data are good, in fact, however soccer is in regards to the staff. Particular person moments solely matter if the staff succeeds and tonight, that was a very powerful factor.
“I’m very proud, not simply of myself, however of everybody concerned. It’s by no means simple to come back right here, so I’m actually blissful for the entire group.”
There was a quick on-field disagreement earlier than certainly one of Newcastle’s penalties, with captain Kieran Trippier additionally eager to take duty, however Howe dismissed any suggestion of an issue.
“Anthony naturally needed to take the second penalty and I perceive why there’s a debate over it typically. That’s not clear when there are two in a single recreation. However he took each penalties fantastically and I’m happy with that.
“Kieran’s solely ever attempting to assist the staff, so I feel it’s a constructive state of affairs somewhat than adverse.”
Newcastle will nonetheless strategy the return leg with nice care, significantly with Thiaw suspended after accumulating a 3rd reserving of the marketing campaign.
“Sure, we’ve had a very good recreation right now, however we take nothing without any consideration within the second leg”, Howe added.
Issues don’t decelerate for the Magpies, who journey to the Etihad to face Manchester Metropolis on the weekend.
