Brutal verdict from Eddie Howe after loss – Just the way that I like it

One of the many reasons Eddie Howe stands out as a manager is his unwavering honesty. Regardless of the outcome, whether Newcastle United wins, loses, or draws, Howe consistently provides a candid reflection of the game. His comments after Newcastle’s defeat at Craven Cottage demonstrate this commitment to transparency.

Reflecting on the match, Howe acknowledged a poor start to the game and highlighted the impact of conceding an early goal. He admitted that Newcastle was reactive in the first half, which contributed to Fulham’s dominance.

That first goal, he noted, shifted momentum in Fulham’s favor and allowed the home crowd to take control of the atmosphere, making it difficult for his team to settle into the game.

Howe didn’t shy away from calling the first half Newcastle’s worst performance of the season. While he recognized that the team hadn’t been perfect in previous matches, they had at least shown resilience and solidity.

His expectations of a strong performance at Craven Cottage weren’t met, and he was visibly disappointed. However, in typical Howe fashion, he focused on the lessons to be learned from the defeat, stressing the importance of reflecting and analyzing what went wrong in the first half.

In the second half, Howe noted that Newcastle showed better character and attitude, as they chased the game until the final whistle. However, he emphasized that games often hinge on key moments, and his team needed to learn from the mistakes of the first half. Each game, he stated, brings its own challenges, and the team selection is always based on giving Newcastle the best chance to win.

Regarding his decision to start Joe Willock, Howe stood by his choice, though he questioned it in hindsight. Willock had performed well in the previous match against Wolves, and Howe felt it was right to reward him with a start.

However, given the tough nature of the game, Howe admitted he would reflect on whether it was the best decision. Willock had just returned from injury, and while he’s a crucial player for Newcastle, the intensity of the game posed a challenge for him and the rest of the team.

Howe also pointed out the contributions of other players in the second half, particularly Lewis Hall and Jacob Murphy. Hall, he noted, had a solid performance after being introduced, while Murphy’s assist for the goal highlighted his impact. The second half, according to Howe, had a better feel overall, although the performance tailed off toward the end of the match.

One of the pivotal moments of the game, in Howe’s view, was Fabian Schar’s missed opportunity. After winning the ball high up the pitch, Schar found himself with a chance to score, but he failed to capitalize. That missed opportunity, Howe suggested, could have swung the game in Newcastle’s favor.

Ultimately, Howe stressed that Newcastle must start games better, with more intent and control. A more dominant, front-footed performance from the outset is crucial if they are to turn around their fortunes in upcoming fixtures.

The defeat at Fulham, which ended 3-1 in favor of the home side, was marked by a lackluster first half for Newcastle. Despite dominating possession (61% to Fulham’s 39%), Newcastle struggled to convert that advantage into meaningful chances. Fulham, on the other hand, outshot Newcastle with 22 total shots compared to 15, and had 11 shots on target to Newcastle’s four.

Fulham’s ability to get into dangerous areas was evident, as they registered 37 touches in Newcastle’s box compared to 22 for the visitors. Despite a stronger second half, where Harvey Barnes found the net shortly after the break, Newcastle couldn’t claw back the deficit, with Fulham sealing the win in stoppage time.

As Newcastle looks ahead to a busy schedule of matches, including games against AFC Wimbledon, Manchester City, and Everton, Howe will undoubtedly focus on addressing the key issues from the Fulham game.

With key players such as Willock just returning from injury, and the continued development of young talents like Lewis Hall, the team has the potential to bounce back, but Howe’s demand for more consistency and sharper starts to matches will be paramount moving forward. The Newcastle faithful will be hoping for a stronger showing in the matches to come.