Eddie Howe watched on as Newcastle United raced into a 5-0 lead by half-time in Azerbaijan.
A tactical masterclass form the United boss seeing NUFC overwhelm Qarabag FK.
Eddie Howe seeing the players carry out his game plan so well.
The only downside, if you can call it that, was the fact that more clinical finishing (and a less brilliant performance from the home goalkeeper) could have seen the score nearer double figures by the break.
Regardless, brilliant by the Head Coach and his players, as they coasted to that final 6-1 scoreline and all but guaranteed a place in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Eddie Howe reflecting on a stunning match, especially the opening half: “You can never expect a result like this. What pleased me most was the level of performance. We were excellent tonight and fully deserved what we got from a very strong first half. The intensity was high, the energy was there, and the football we played was of a really high standard. That’s the way we want to play. The early goal helped, it always settles you, Anthony [Gordon] finished brilliantly. From there, we kept the momentum and created a number of chances.”
This is now three away victories in a row.
Newcastle United scoring 11 goals as they have overwhelmed Spurs, Aston Villa and Qarabag FK in three different competitions.
Eddie Howe explaining about this latest win on their travels: “It was an outstanding display, probably one of our best in a long time. Qarabag were unfortunate to face us in that kind of form. They showed their quality and had their moments, but overall, I thought we defended well. Our idea is always to be on the front foot. We want to attack first, that’s how we approach every game. We believed in the team we selected, with a lot of attacking intent on the pitch. Sometimes it comes together like it did tonight, sometimes it doesn’t, but we’re delighted with the level every player reached.”
Anthony Gordon grabbed the headlines.
The official UEFA man of the match scoring four goals in that astonishing first half.
Eddie Howe loving it: “Anthony Gordon was really, really good in that first half. I think he started the press. A number of his goals came from his attitude off the ball. I’m really pleased with his first goal as well, because that was a key moment. It was a really good finish.”
The United set-up was far too much for Qarabag FK to cope with.
A significant factor in that, what very likely how Eddie Howe used Nick Woltemade and Anthony Gordon. Gordon up front and Big Nick working his magic in a deeper role.
Eddie Howe impressed as well by the Germany international: “I thought Nick was really good. I thought off the ball, excellent tactically and he really understood what was asked of him. But very reliable in possession, I don’t think he gave a ball away. I thought he was very good in some awkward situations. He’s also got that creative flair that we need in that position on the pitch. So he can be really pleased with his day.”
The second half appeared to be a combination of Qarabag FK going more defensive to try and avoid huge embarrassment, as well as United understandably easing off to a degree with so many matches in the near future.
Eddie Howe on that 1-1 second half: “We obviously wanted to keep the momentum in the second half. The game changed. They played a lot lower on the pitch and made it more difficult for us. It took us a little period of the game to adjust to that. And then I thought we were good again towards the end. So, overall, it’s just a great day for us.”
On Tuesday night the second leg will be played at St James’ Park.
Neutrals are all calling it as the tie is over but predictably no complacency from the United boss: “We know that the tie’s not over, but we’ve put ourselves in a great position. I just think we’ve got to be professional in every moment. We know how football can change. We respect every opponent, and we have to be very good in the next game.”