This is excellent from Eddie Howe – Exactly what I expected

Eddie Howe once again demonstrated why he is so widely admired as a manager, even after Newcastle United’s nine-match winning streak came to a sudden halt with a 4-1 defeat at St. James’ Park to Bournemouth.

Despite the disappointing result, Howe faced the post-match analysis with honesty and accountability, characteristics that have endeared him to the Newcastle faithful.

Howe didn’t shy away from acknowledging Bournemouth’s excellent performance. He credited the visitors for their deserved victory while admitting that Newcastle fell short of the high standards they had maintained during their recent run. His frank assessment resonated with fans in the stands who had witnessed the same issues unfolding throughout the game.

In his post-match interview with BBC Match of the Day, Howe admitted Newcastle were not at their best, both technically and physically. He noted that the team lacked the intensity and sharpness that had been central to their success, attributing the drop in performance to potential fatigue.

While he refrained from making excuses, he emphasized the importance of thoroughly analyzing the game to understand what went wrong. He also expressed optimism about the team having a full week to recharge before their next match.

The match itself highlighted Newcastle’s struggles from the outset. Justin Kluivert opened the scoring for Bournemouth in the sixth minute, setting the tone for a challenging afternoon.

Although Bruno Guimarães equalized in the 25th minute, Kluivert struck again just before halftime, putting the visitors back in control. Newcastle failed to regain momentum in the second half, and Kluivert completed his hat-trick in stoppage time before Milos Kerkez added a fourth goal in the dying moments of the game.

Statistically, Newcastle held 55% possession compared to Bournemouth’s 45%, but the visitors proved far more clinical. Bournemouth registered 19 total shots with 10 on target, while Newcastle managed 13 shots, with only five hitting the target. The Cherries also edged Newcastle in touches inside the box, 35 to 32, showcasing their attacking efficiency.

Several Newcastle players struggled to replicate their usual form. Alexander Isak, who had scored in eight consecutive league games, failed to register a single shot during the match.

Meanwhile, Valentino Livramento found it difficult to cope with Bournemouth’s dynamic attack, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities that Howe will need to address in the coming games.

The defeat also exposed areas where tactical adjustments might be necessary. Howe revealed that a significant tactical switch was made at halftime to reinvigorate the team, but it failed to yield results.

The manager’s focus now shifts to preparing for upcoming fixtures, starting with a crucial match against Southampton. With a week to regroup and recover, the team has an opportunity to bounce back and reignite their top-four ambitions.

Looking ahead, Newcastle faces a demanding schedule, including matches against Fulham, Arsenal in the League Cup, and Birmingham in the FA Cup. The heavy defeat against Bournemouth serves as a wake-up call, reminding the team of the importance of consistency and resilience in the face of adversity.

The loss may have been a setback, but Howe’s leadership and willingness to confront challenges head-on offer hope for a swift recovery. Fans will be eager to see how the team responds, knowing that their manager’s ability to learn from defeats has been instrumental in Newcastle’s resurgence under his guidance.