Howe urges high-flying Newcastle to enjoy the ride

Newcastle United’s players should relish the run of good results that has taken them to third place in the Premier League standings instead of feeling weighed down by the burden of expectation, manager Eddie Howe said.

Newcastle have won six of their last seven league games, scoring 15 goals and conceding just two in that sequence, and with signings expected in January, Howe’s side look primed to challenge for Europe this season.

When asked how important it was for players to take pleasure in their recent performances, Howe told reporters, “that is key to the second half of the season.”

“For me, the players shouldn’t feel burdened by expectation, or any of those types of emotions,” added Howe, speaking ahead of Tuesday’s clash against league-leaders Arsenal.

“They should be relishing the place we’re in and enjoying every second, as long as they continue to be united and give everything to achieve consistent results.

“They look like they’ve enjoyed the early part of the season, I think that’s been key for our results and I would urge them to keep that focus.”

Newcastle will be looking to close the nine-point gap with Arsenal when they travel to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.