(Reuters) – Newcastle United’s manager Eddie Howe believes that the team’s 3-0 victory over Sunderland in the third round of the FA Cup can be a turning point for the club’s struggling season.
The win, which included an own goal by Daniel Ballard and two goals from Alexander Isak, ended a long wait for a derby victory against Championship side Sunderland. This victory comes after Newcastle only managed to win one of their last eight matches in all competitions.
After their exit from the Champions League and League Cup, as well as sitting ninth in the Premier League, pressure was mounting on the team. Howe expressed his happiness with the team’s performance at the Stadium of Light.
When asked if the win can be a turning point for the team, Howe said, “Well, hopefully. That’s how we have to look at it.” He acknowledged that when a team does not win for a period of time, confidence can be affected.
Howe also mentioned that the win would have a positive impact on the team’s confidence, as they not only won the game, but also performed well, scored goals, and kept a clean sheet.
Newcastle has been knocked out of the FA Cup at the third-round stage in the last three seasons. Howe expressed the team’s desire for a deeper run in the competition this time around, stating that the FA Cup is an important competition for them.
Newcastle’s next challenge will be against Manchester City in the league at St. James’ Park on Saturday.
Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru; editing by Miral Fahmy
