Howe hauls off pair in slack opening

EDDIE Howe hooked both Anthony Elanga and Joelinton in a brutal double change at the Amex Stadium as both looked out of sorts on the South Coast.

- By SEAN MCCORMACK Newcastle writer

Howe has spoken of a halftime “shake up” and seemed more content with the response of his players after a poor start to the game.

The head coach had spent much of the opening period pacing around in the technical area as the initial tactics did not go to plan.

It was a move that saw £95m worth of talent taken off and replaced for fresh legs as Newcastle made a sluggish start to the game in certain areas of the field.

Howe was candid with his assessment after the match in his post-match media duties, albeit in his usual measured way.