Eddie Howe saw his Newcastle United side lift their second trophy under his stewardship following a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Villarreal in the Sela Cup.
The win took Newcastle to 12 points in the Sela Cup mini-league where teams got three points for a win, one for a draw and a point for every goal. Newcastle picked up six points by way of winning both games and a further six for winning their first game 2-0 and the second 4-0.
Those two victories in 24 hours saw Newcastle round off their pre-season undefeated meaning they should be going into the season opener at St James’ Park next week full of confidence when Aston Villa come to town.
Eddie Howe believes there’s more to come from Newcastle
However, as good as the squad has been, and they have pretty much all been excellent, Eddie Howe still believes there’s more to come from his charges.
Speaking after watching Jacob Murphy having the time of his life lifting the Sela Cup with the same zeal has he did the Diriyah Season Trophy last year, Eddie Howe told The Chronicle: “They have given everything physically. It as been an intense period but I compliment the group. I don’t think that we have quite hit our best levels in terms of performance but today we followed the line of performing well. We were good in defence and good on the counter attack so promising signs from the team.”
Part of the reason why Howe may feel Newcastle have yet to hit peak performance is that he’s not yet played a “full strength” eleven. Every side Howe has turned out has been a mix of first-team and youth players, or first-team and fringe players such as Matt Ritchie and Paul Dummett – players who remain in the squad but will be aware their game time will be limited this season.
The Sela Cup trophy may just be the first trophy Newcastle lift this season
Regardless of the side Howe puts out he expects nothing but 100% and I think the players have given him that, but they may just be a few inches shy of full match fitness which is what Howe will be referring to.
That being said, with what we’ve seen this pre-season, the fact that Newcastle have another gear to go into should send shivers down the spines of the other 19 sides in the Premier League, Manchester City included. As much as it’s believed Pep Guardiola‘s men will win the league again, Newcastle could be the team that trips them up, that’s how solid we’re looking once again.
I’m almost always a pessimist – expect the worst that way you can’t be disappointed – but I have a feeling that Sela Cup may not be the only trophy we lift this season.
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