Eddie Howe: Crisis of confidence is over for Newcastle United

NEWCASTLE: Eddie Howe believes back-to-back wins signal the end of Newcastle United’s Premier League crisis of confidence.

The Magpies have beaten Leeds United and Everton in their past two top-flight games, which came off the back of a run of just one win in 20 prior to that.

And while the players had found it difficult to see out games — the last example of which was losing what looked like a crucial home lead against fellow strugglers Watford in January — Howe now thinks, finally, there’s signs of confidence flowing through the veins within the Newcastle ranks.

“Back-to-back wins changes the mood and feeling,” said the head coach, whose side beat Frank Lampard’s Toffees 3-1 at St. James’ Park on Tuesday. ”What we have to do at this moment is stay very calm and focused. It’s two wins, nothing’s been achieved.”

“We’re very happy with what we’ve delivered in those two games but we have to focus on the next one.

“It’s always a challenge and a delicate balance with football in not getting too high or low. It’s one of the hardest things to achieve within the team,” he said. “My thought process now is very much to come back down to earth for Aston Villa.”

Watford was no isolated incident, though.

United are way ahead of any other Premier League side when it comes to points dropped from winning positions this season.

The remarkable 21 points dropped having taken the lead has seen the likes of Southampton, the Hornets twice, West Ham, Tottenham, Manchester United and more ensure United walked away with less than their performances deserved.

Have United learned lessons from their early-season challenges — are they now more streetwise when it comes to the relegation battle?

Howe said: “I don’t know whether you can