Eddie Howe says there is 'more to come' from the Newcastle promotion ahead of their trip to Tottenham tomorrow lunchtime.
The Magpies have enjoyed an impressive December, climbing to fifth in the Premier League after four successive wins, including a 2-0 win over Manchester United on Monday night.
They have not conceded a league goal since a 4-2 defeat to Brentford on December 7 and will arrive in north London brimming with confidence.
Howe is pleased with the progress they have made but believes they can still improve.
He said: “There is always (room for improvement), you have to believe in that, I really believe in that. There is more to come, we are playing a lot better, and the cohesion in the team has been really strong. The players play with confidence and freedom and express themselves in a great way.”
“But as the challenges increase, we will need to do more. The next matches we face will challenge us even more and we will have to respond in a positive way.
“Our attacking players are in good form. We seem to have a good feeling about the team. Mentally, I think we are in a good place. So I think we need to get into the game and try to continue our good form.
For the first time in 2025! 💪 pic.twitter.com/kPA2uI1gHp
– Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 2, 2025
Howe is wary of injured Tottenham
As was the case on Monday, they will face a team going through a difficult period with Spurs taking just one point from their last three games and in the midst of a major injury crisis.
Howe dismissed the idea that this was the right time to play for Ange Postecoglou's men.
He added: “I don't know if it will be a good match for us or not until after that.
“I think it will be an exciting game. I think it's always them against Tottenham. We've had some good games historically against them. Both teams had their moments in those games. The only thing for sure is that they won't change their attacking style. It's been very effective for them in front of goal. Look. “Coming to their numbers, they’re pretty good.”
Putman returns
Newcastle will be further boosted by the potential return of Dutch defender Sven Botman to the matchday squad.
Botman has been out since March after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury but is scheduled to be on the bench tomorrow.
“He put in an unbelievable effort to get in good shape,” Howe said. “He's had three games in, and a lot of internal training as well. He's definitely in and around my thoughts. I'll have to make a decision on who I think would suit the position best. It's great to have Sven in and around and available again.”
“We have taken longer than we would normally have with the injury he had to try and make sure he has the best chance of staying fit and when he comes back, he will hit the ground running which is absolutely vital.
“I have to make a decision regarding team selection, but if Sven is in the team it is because he is fit and available.”
England coach Tuchel is scheduled to be present
Tomorrow's game is set to be Thomas Tuchel's first attendance as England manager, not that Howe was concerned about.
“I'm sure the players will be aware of it, but I think it's irrelevant to me,” he said.
“It is against Tottenham and we have to make sure we are in the same place we were against Manchester United, on top and trying to put in a good performance.”
