Norwich boss Dean Smith says it's clear why Newcastle has rocketed up the table since the New Year.
Newcastle won 3-0 at Carrow Road on Saturday.
Smith, who took his job around the same time as Howe, rued the difference in finances between the clubs.
"They were a team that have spent £100m in the window and we've promoted an U23 player, that is the levels," he said.
"You just look at the January window they have had. They have improved. Eddie is an unbelievable coach. But they are owned pretty much by a country, so they are always going to improve."
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