Eddie Howe makes Newcastle United admission ahead of Man City fixture

Eddie Howe outlined the importance of Newcastle United's win over Aston Villa as they prepare to face Manchester City next weekend.

The Magpies started their Premier League campaign with a five-star performance, blitzing Aston Villa at St James' Park. Goals from new signings Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes bookended a 5-1 win.

It was the perfect start for Newcastle, who have been handed a tough opening to their season. After beating Villa, they travel to the Eithad Stadium next weekend and then host Liverpool.

"It was a massive win for us," Howe said. "When the fixture list came out we knew the importance of this game, a home game, with Manchester City and Liverpool to come. It was an electric start. The crowd were amazing."

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On new signing Tonali, he said: "He was magnificent. The goal, sometimes these things are just meant to happen, and he's arrived in the box and it’s a great finish.

"I'm delighted with his overall performance. He knitted into the midfield very well. He's built a really good relationship with Bruno [Guimaraes] and the players on the right-hand side. You can see how good he can be."

City are looking to become the first side ever to win four consecutive Premier League titles. They kicked off their latest title defence with a 3-0 win over Burnley on Friday.

Erling Haaland took little time to get off the mark, scoring a brace at Turf Moor, and he'll be looking to be on target again next weekend as he aims to beat last season's astonishing tally of 36 league goals.