Graham Potter has admitted that Newcastle United supporters had a 'huge influence' on the Magpies' 2-1 win against Brighton after the Seagulls boss experienced a very different atmosphere at St James' Park for the first time.
Supporters group Wor Flags, who returned to St James' following the club's takeover last October, helped to create another stunning display inside the stadium before a ball was even kicked on Saturday.
Around 20,000 individual foils were left on the seats in the Leazes End and the Gallowgate, which spelt out 'Howay the lads' and 'NUFC' respectively, while fans in the East Stand picked up the flags that have again become a huge part of the match day experience.
Although Brighton started the game well, and dominated possession, St James' was rocking following two quickfire goals from Ryan Fraser and Fabian Schar before the quarter-hour mark. Brighton did pull one back through Lewis Dunk in the 55th minute, but Newcastle fans ultimately helped their side over the line during a tense finale as they stuck with the players throughout.
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Given that vocal support, perhaps, it is not a surprise that Eddie Howe has picked up 70% of his points at home since taking charge last November. In fact, Newcastle have only lost one game at St James' in the Premier League since Howe was appointed and that was against champions Man City.
Brighton had never previously suffered a Premier League defeat at St James' or even conceded a goal on Tyneside. However, Potter certainly noticed a change of atmosphere inside the stadium compared to his previous visits after the Ashley regime failed to even try and unite a powerful fanbase.
"The home crowd can be a huge influence and a positive influence on the players, but they can also be a negative one and I think probably, if I'm being honest, that was the situation before," the Brighton boss told reporters after the game. "Obviously, we had lockdown as well so there was no crowd in here.
"But I would think anybody would say in football if the crowd are with you, and you've got a positive atmosphere, it makes it difficult for the away team."
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