25/04 - 20:00
Two of the three debuting managers had positive starts on their debuts, while another kind of positivity kept one manager isolated in a hotel room instead.
Eddie Howe was set to be leading his Newcastle United team out for the game against Burnley at St. James' Park, but the former Brighton manager tested positive prior to the game. That meant that assistants Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones were in charge as Howe was isolated in a Newcastle hotel room.
Norwich City's win over Southampton meant Newcastle dropped to the bottom of the table, but despite their recurring defensive frailties, the Magpies looked far better going forward and resulted in an entertaining 3-3 draw with Brentford. Newcastle United fans can expect an exciting time under Eddie Howe, with the team fielding a 3-4-3 formation for this game.
⏱ It finishes level.#NEWBRE // #NUFC pic.twitter.com/GLRmPdYX5f
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) November 20, 2021
Gerrard plays it safe
Steven Gerrard's Premier League managerial debut looked to be ending in a stalemate as Aston Villa and Brighton evened each other out – the home side did well to restrict the Seagulls to few chances.
Then in the final six minutes, Villa came alive. Ollie Watkins opened the scoring after being set up by substitute Ashley Young before Tyrone Mings secured the result that ended Aston Villa's 5-match losing streak. The former Rangers manager was animated on the touchline throughout most of the game and will be delighted his start.
Welcome back to the Premier League, Steven Gerrard! 😍 pic.twitter.com/bs4Jbri1Ug
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) November 20, 2021
Smith gets it right against Southampton
New Norwich City boss Dean Smith didn't enjoy his last game against Southampton – the very one that cost him his Aston Villa job.
He would have been worried after four minutes too when Che Adams opened the scoring for the visitors. But Teemu Pukki's near-post header put the Canaries right back in it just a few minutes later. Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy could have perhaps done better with Pukki's effort and the same for the winner. A corner Norwich corner found Grant Hanley in space, his headed effort just squeezed past the Saints keeper.
All of a sudden the Norwich City doesn't look so impossible.
What a start for 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗵's men! 👊#NCFC pic.twitter.com/uApBH5ygpe
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) November 20, 2021
