Eddie Howe says his Newcastle players will suffer a “precipitous” drop from their thrilling 3-3 draw with Liverpool as they prepare to face Brentford.
Fabian Schar’s 90th-minute equalizer earned the Magpies a deserved point against the Premier League leaders on Wednesday after twice taking the lead at St James’ Park.
The result ended an eight-game winning streak for the Reds, with the Toon putting in a display that should encourage them in the coming weeks.
“Going into the Liverpool game, the players would feel the high of the game – certainly as a player I felt that,” Howe said ahead of the trip to the Bees on Saturday.
“After any game, there is always a slump, but I think it will be steep after the Liverpool game.
“Our challenge this weekend is to find a way to achieve the same level of intensity and mental quality that we showed on Wednesday.”
Attitude is key
The Toon have won just one of their last 10 Premier League games, with Brentford coming into the game on the back of a 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa.
Thomas Frank’s men looked different at home, however, winning six and drawing one of their seven at the Gtech Communit Stadium this season.
Howe wants to see his players approach the game in West London with a similar attitude to the one they produced on Wednesday.
He added: “As always, it’s attitude. Attitude is everything to any team. Against Liverpool you saw the right attitude, the right mental preparation from the players.
“When we came on the pitch, I have no doubt, in the first exchanges of the game, we were in a good position. very good energy, bite in midfield, desire to win the ball, very good in duels.
“Gradually, when you’re good in these small areas, your bigger performance looks different.
“Athletically, I thought we looked really good. the running speed of our forwards, the fighting qualities of our midfield against a top team. Especially in the first half, I felt like we won that battle.”
Important to start well
Brentford are known for scoring early goals this season and Howe knows his side will need to start the game well to have any chance.
The Toon boss added: “Whenever you leave home, the intention you set is key. The first few exchanges give you a lot of clues as to how the game will go. We have to start well.
“Brentford have scored a lot of early goals – we know that well. They’re still a very positive team, so we’ll have to be on the lookout.”
Team news: Boatman and Trippier are improving but remain out
Howe says injured defender Kieran Trippier is “improving”, while offering an update on centre-back Sven Botman.
He said: “He is doing well. It’s all about rhythm for Sven now. It’s all about reclaiming that dynamic of the game, the geography of the playing field. things he would normally do on autopilot, he has to re-find how to do them.
“It was a big boost to have him in training. He’s a big guy, a big presence and we’ve certainly missed him.”
