Eddie Howe's Newcastle feelings clear in telling six-minute clip as Chelsea and Arsenal downed

“I’m tired actually. I think I need a lie down actually. It was intense.”

That was Eddie Howe’s initial response when probed on his personal feelings just moments after Newcastle beat Arsenal at St James' Park over the weekend. The interviewer was Newcastle-supporting, TNT Sports host Lynsey Hipgrave, while Premier League legends Joe Cole and Martin Keown flanked the Magpies boss.

Howe would speak to the TV channel for six minutes at the side of the St James’ Park turf in an upbeat and positive chat reflecting on his side’s second win in four days on home soil, where it was clear the feeling was one of happiness, no doubt tinged with slight relief. Had results gone against Newcastle, the tone of the interview would likely have been very different.

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After all, as Newcastle trudged off the pitch at Stamford Bridge less than a week earlier, negativity filled the air. The north east outfit left west London 12th in the Premier League and winless in five top flight encounters. You cannot deny some form of pressure was beginning to build with two more clashes against 'Big Six' opposition in the days ahead.

As supporters, pundits and neutrals pondered just how Newcastle could overcome their below-par form, you got the feeling Howe needed at least one good result, most likely in the cup against Chelsea, before the week was out to fend off a groundswell of negativity that would ultimately result in some, not all, calling for a change in the dugout.

Instead, Newcastle would mastermind two incredible victories, two well-earned clean sheets, two complete performances to ease the tension on Tyneside. Next week and the trip to an in-form Forest brings a fresh challenge but at least Howe leads his men into battle at the City Ground knowing the result is unlikely to mean an international break filled with dread over any personal or team predicament.

Newcastle chiefs certainly have not changed their mind on Howe. Not after a turbulent summer, not after a tricky start to the season. They still believe he is the man for the job - as do the majority of the fanbase. However, it does feel like a big weight has been lifted in recent days after two assured displays that looked like they belonged in the 2022/23 Champions League qualification campaign.

Howe even said as much after Saturday's victory, confirming the midweek Carabao Cup win over Chelsea lifted player pressure behind the scenes in the run up to Arsenal. “You have to have a really strong mentality and know results will turn, if you continue to do the right things," he said post-match.

“It has been a difficult week with the fixtures but the players have done really well. There was a better feeling in training after the Chelsea win, as pressure lifted slightly."

He added: "It is three points but it means so much because we hadn’t won for a while in the Premier League. I’m sure it will do us the world of good."

The challenge now is making sure Newcastle kick on. They are not 'back' just yet but are very much back on track. The next few weeks remain huge in their pursuit of a return to European football but Howe and his players can attack the upcoming fixtures with significantly less pressure on their shoulders.