Newcastle play their opening game of the new year at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday lunchtime knowing a win could take them into the top four ahead of the afternoon fixture list.
Three days later, the Magpies are back in north London for the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal, and having not been fazed by the challenge of heading to Old Trafford, Howe wants his players to be equally bullish about the prospect of facing two of the toughest away trips on the calendar.
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“I always say we respect the opposition, but we don't fear anybody,” said the Newcastle boss. “But then actually stepping forward and delivering the performances under pressure in the environment isn't always easy.
“So, I do think it's a big step forward (winning at Old Trafford). But we need to do it again in two other grounds, very similar, at Tottenham and Arsenal in our next two games.”
Monday’s game marked the halfway point of the Premier League programme, and after failing to really click in the opening couple of months of the campaign, Newcastle have hit top gear in the last few weeks.
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Five successive victories in all competitions has transformed the mood at St James’ Park, with the Magpies’ key players all raising their performance levels markedly in recent matches.
“I’ve really enjoyed this season, although it's been a difficult challenge at times,” said Howe. “We look good at the moment, but we have to continue our focus and not get carried away.
“I think you learn all the time. I always say that I’m forever learning week in, week out. The Premier League demands that of you. You can never stand still. The game changes from week to week.
“Things you think you've got mastery of one minute, you don't have the next and that's down to the league and the analysis involved. So, for me, it's always about hard work and processes.”