Eddie Howe says that Newcastle United delivered the exact reaction he was hoping for after the Magpies were beaten at Aston Villa.
Newcastle ran riot at St James' Park and were 5-0 up at the break with Spurs sinking without a trace in the first half. The London side did rally after the break but the game was gone.
Howe told Sky Sports: "That's the reaction we wanted and an incredible start. The crowd were incredible for us.
READ MORE: Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur highlights and reaction from St James' Park
"You don't expect that. The quality of our finishing was incredible. They weren't stick-on goals. We were lethal in front of goal. Everything about our first half an hour was where we want to be."
Howe took a moment to pay tribute to his players at St James' Park. Speaking after the rout of Spurs, Howe said: "Since I walked through the door here the players have responded so well. I can't thank them enough.
"Joe Willock has got a little bit of everything. "He's knuckled down, taken everything on board and delivered. In my shoes, you don't enjoy it until afterwards. I enjoyed elements of today but there's a lot of pressure on the game. I'm pleased now."
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