hailed three of his experienced players after Newcastle’s big 4-1 win over on Saturday, while he also praised 17-year-old Lewis Miley who started the game at St James’ Park.
The Magpies took the lead early on through Alexander Isak before levelled up with a superb free-kick on 23 minutes.
Then the home team took hold, with Jamaal Lascelles, Joelinton and scoring second-half goals to complete a very impressive win.
Howe is struggling with a huge amount of injuries in his squad, with as many as 13 players unavailable for this match, and was thrilled with how his experienced players dragged the team to victory.
‘It was a real statement of character within the squad,’ said the Newcastle boss. ‘We really asked the players to step up, and we really deserved to win. Big positives from today.
‘The leaders within the group set the tone – Jamaal Lascelles, , Matt Ritchie. They make sure we don’t surrender.’
Howe also had praise for teenage midfielder Miley who made just his second Premier League start and provided a brilliant assist for Isak’s opener.
‘The biggest compliment I can give him is the pass for the first goal – an incredible decision, and he has the right temperament,’ said Howe. ‘A lot of young players would have wanted to shoot there. We have high hopes for him.
‘If you are disjointed and go away from your principles, you will be in trouble. We try to be us.’
The win sees Newcastle climb to sixth in the Premier League table while Chelsea are down in 11th after the disappointing performance and result.
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