Howe was the first to admit he was not doing his job “well enough” after his side were defeated in their last game on home soil earlier this month.
Newcastle were booed off by a section of supporters following a bruising 3-2 loss against Brentford at St James’ Park.
But this side have responded – and how – since then with four wins in five matches.
No wonder, then, the home support unfurled a tifo of Howe in the Leazes End before kick-off.
A buoyant Newcastle raced out of the blocks – but such are the standards Howe has set that he was not completely satisfied even after his side took such an early lead and urged them to win the ball back quicker.
You suspect Howe was not best pleased when Qarabag went on to pull one back. Nor was Trippier for that matter, who launched the ball back into the centre circle after his side were denied a clean sheet on the night.
But this was a dominant aggregate victory as Newcastle broke a club record by winning six Champions League games in a single campaign for the first time.
They have reached the last 16 for only the second time, previously getting to the second group stage in 2003.
A big test awaits in the next round, but supporters are daring to dream.
“Is this the way to Barcelona?” they repeatedly sang. “Bayern Munich? Lazio? Roma? Geordie boys are taking over – Champions League awaits for me!”
Qarabag analysis: Visitors do themselves proud
Gurban Gurbanov could not help but shake his head on the touchline.
The Qarabag manager had stressed the need to be “more careful and responsible” as he switched to a back five for the return fixture – only to see his side concede twice even more quickly than they did in the first leg.
Qarabag were soon subjected to a few ‘olés’ from the home support as they regained their composure with a rare period of possession.
But the visitors went on to show admirable powers of recovery.
In fact, Newcastle supporters could not help but politely applaud after Duran scored the first of Qarabag’s two goals in the second half.
Newcastle players showed their respect at full-time by exchanging handshakes and hugs with their Qarabag counterparts in the centre circle.
This has been an incredible journey for Gurbanov’s side.
They reached this stage for the first time after drawing against Chelsea and defeating Benfica, Eintracht Frankfurt and Copenhagen in the league phase.
The focus now will be on clawing back Sabah’s seven-point lead at the top of the Azerbaijan Premier League to ensure they have a chance of taking a seat at Europe’s top table through the qualifiers once again next season.
What’s next for these teams?
Newcastle host Everton on Saturday, 28 February (15:00 GMT) before welcoming Manchester United to St James’ Park on Wednesday, 4 March (20:15).
Qarabag face Sabah on Sunday, 1 March (15:00) before another home game against Shamakhi on Wednesday, 4 March (15:00).
*BBC*
