Eddie Howe did not shy away from responsibility after Newcastle United’s painful derby defeat to Sunderland, delivering a heartfelt apology and offering his thoughts on why everything went wrong on Wearside.
The Magpies boss cut a visibly frustrated figure at the Stadium of Light, fully aware that this loss carried far more weight than an ordinary Premier League setback. Facing their fiercest rivals, newly promoted Sunderland, Newcastle failed to show the intensity, quality, or edge expected in such a fixture, and Howe was quick to admit that both he and his players had fallen short.
Speaking after the final whistle, Howe openly accepted full accountability for the performance. He apologised more than once during his press conference, making it clear that he felt the pain alongside the supporters.
A message urging the players to “get into them” had been pinned on the dressing room wall before kick-off, yet Newcastle rarely looked like a side ready to impose themselves. For long stretches, the Magpies were passive and cautious, allowing Sunderland to dictate the tempo.
It was only in the closing moments, when tempers flared and a brief confrontation broke out between players, that Newcastle showed any real fight, by which point it was far too late.
Howe admitted the defeat would linger. He described the result as one that would sting for a long time, especially because the performance did not come close to what was required in a derby.
While he felt his team defended reasonably well and limited Sunderland to few clear chances, he acknowledged that the key moment went against them in unfortunate fashion.
The decisive goal, an own goal that caught everyone by surprise, shifted the momentum, and Newcastle simply did not have the cutting edge to respond. Once they fell behind, they lacked the creativity and sharpness needed to break Sunderland down, leaving them chasing shadows rather than threatening an equaliser.
The Newcastle boss recognised that criticism would be unavoidable, and he understood why it would be louder and more intense given the nature of the fixture. Losing to Sunderland, especially in a match that saw their rivals extend their lead over Newcastle in the table, added to the frustration.
Howe made it clear that the players and staff were not hiding from that reality. He spoke about the disappointment felt for the supporters who travelled in hope and passion, only to witness a display that lacked the attacking intent Newcastle have prided themselves on in recent seasons.
Howe stressed that the apology was genuine. He admitted that the team’s usual strengths in front of goal were missing and that the performance did not reflect the standards he expects. However, he was keen to point out that effort was not the issue.
From his perspective, the players tried, but the execution simply was not there. The final pass, the movement, and the confidence in the attacking third all fell short, resulting in a display that never truly troubled Sunderland’s goalkeeper.
When asked directly about the pre-match message and whether the players delivered on it, Howe was honest. He explained that there are many messages and reminders placed around the dressing room to reinforce the team’s identity and approach.
On this occasion, he admitted that the message was not carried out effectively. Consistency, he said, is difficult to maintain, and against Sunderland, Newcastle did not deliver the intensity or aggression they aim for.
Howe again took responsibility, stating clearly that the shortcomings were on him as much as anyone else, and reiterating how deeply disappointed he felt for the fans.
Reflecting further on the match, Howe highlighted the lack of quality in both halves. While he felt there was a slight improvement in intensity and bravery on the ball after substitutions were made, it still did not translate into meaningful chances. Sunderland remained comfortable, their goalkeeper largely untested, and Newcastle never found a way to turn pressure into goals.
This defeat leaves Newcastle in an uncomfortable position. They have now lost six league games this season and find themselves stuck in 12th place, drifting away from the European places they hoped to challenge for.
For Howe and his players, the loss to Sunderland is not just another poor result, but a wake-up call. The manager’s apology was sincere, but words alone will not be enough. Newcastle must respond on the pitch, rediscovering the intensity, belief, and attacking quality that deserted them on Wearside, if they are to win back trust and get their season back on track.
