“You just couldn’t make it up”- Eddie Howe baffled by what Newcastle man did right in front of him v Leicester

Eddie Howe, Newcastle United’s manager, expressed his frustration with Joelinton’s unnecessary booking during their 4-0 victory over Leicester City. Despite an impressive performance, including 93% pass completion, chance creation, and goal attempts, Joelinton’s late challenge on James Justin resulted in a yellow card. This booking will force him to miss Newcastle’s upcoming away match against Ipswich Town.

Howe revealed that he had specifically warned Joelinton to avoid getting booked just minutes before the incident. The manager’s astonishment was palpable, stating, “You just couldn’t make it up.” While disappointed with the suspension, Howe acknowledged the positive impact of Joelinton’s recent form and expressed hope that the midfielder would return refreshed and ready to contribute.

In addition to Joelinton’s suspension, Newcastle will also be without goalkeeper Nick Pope for approximately a month due to a knee injury sustained in training. Pope’s absence will require Martin Dubravka to step in as the temporary replacement.

Despite these setbacks, Newcastle’s 4-0 win over Leicester City marked a significant turning point, ending a four-game winless streak and propelling them to 11th place in the Premier League table. However, the club faces a demanding festive schedule, including crucial matches against Brentford, Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Tottenham.

Howe remains optimistic about the team’s chances, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus and discipline. He stressed the need to capitalize on the momentum gained from the Leicester victory while navigating the challenges posed by key player absences.

Newcastle’s upcoming fixtures will be a stern test of their squad depth and tactical flexibility. With Joelinton and Pope sidelined, Howe will need to rely on other players to step up and fill the void. The likes of Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimarães, and Jacob Murphy could be called upon to provide additional creativity and defensive solidity in midfield, while the goalkeeping duties will likely fall to Martin Dubravka.

As the festive period approaches, Newcastle fans will be hoping that their team can maintain their recent positive form and continue their climb up the Premier League table. While the absence of key players is undoubtedly a setback, the Magpies have shown resilience and determination throughout the season. With a strong team spirit and a talented squad, they have the potential to overcome these challenges and achieve their goals.