Eddie Howe – I thought that it was a good performance for…

1 month ago 16

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Eddie Howe has been reflecting after Saturday’s performance and result.

Newcastle United losing at St James’ Park for the first time in over nine months.

United dominating from the kick-off and somehow failing to take advantage and score.

Then hit by the proverbial sucker punch on 35 minutes, a breakaway goal with Brighton’s first attack of the game.

United bouncing back to continue to be the better team but more chances wasted, especially two sitters for Anthony Gordon.

The final stages, the last 25 minutes or so of normal time, things becoming ragged as Eddie Howe used all five subs to try and find ways through a resilient Brighton defence.

Eddie Howe reflecting on Newcastle 0 Brighton 1:

“I thought that it was a good performance for the majority.

“We conceded with the first shot they had in the game.

“It is one of those moments where you go ‘that sums football up’…

“That can happen sometimes when you are so dominant and one lapse in concentration costs us.

“I didn’t feel that we needed to totally rip up what we were doing as a goal looked like it was coming.

“The last 20 minutes or so was frustrating as we didn’t put pressure on their goal.

“Credit to Brighton for the way they defended but we are frustrated.

“We are going through a phase where we are not scoring but the positive is that we are creating chances.

“We can’t feel sorry for ourselves and it is back to hard work on the training pitch.

“I thought that there was really good energy and speed about our play and our performance.

“All that was missing were the goals, the icing on the cake for all that work.

“We had laid siege to their goal really but these things happen, as we switched off for a split second and we have been punished.

“It was such a pivotal moment and it gave them something to hold onto.

“The chances were still there in that second half but nothing would fall our way, in order for us to score.

“For all our possession around their box in that first half, clear openings weren’t free flowing, so we need to look at that, but there were chances there for us.

“We obviously need more clinical finishing in front of goal.

“I thought it was a vast improvement overall in terms of performance from the start of the season and I think that we are improving in terms of our overall level.

“We are just not totally clicking in every area and to win games at this level, you need all your guns firing.”

Newcastle 0 Brighton 1 – Saturday 19 October 3pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Brighton:

Welbeck 35

Possession was Newcastle 60% Brighton 40%

Total shots were Newcastle 21 Brighton 10

Shots on target were Newcastle 6 Brighton 5

Corners were Newcastle 9 Brighton 4

Touches in the box Newcastle 45 Brighton 12

Newcastle United team v Brighton:

Pope, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall (Osula 90+2), Joelinton, Bruno (Almiron 85), Tonali (Willock 65), Gordon (Longstaff 85), Jacob Murphy (Barnes 65), Isak

UNUSED SUBS:

Krafth, Kelly, Lewis Miley, Vlachodimos

(Match Report – I haven’t given up on this season this early, honest, but… – Read HERE)

(Newcastle 0 Brighton 1 – Match ratings and comments on all Newcastle United players – Read HERE)

(Matches like this prove which Newcastle United fans have a clue and who are clueless – Read HERE)

(Newcastle 0 Brighton 1 – Instant Newcastle United fan / writer reaction – Read HERE)

Newcastle United upcoming matches confirmed to end of January 2025:

Sunday 27 October – Chelsea v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

Wednesday 30 October – Newcastle v Chelsea (7.45pm) Sky Sports+

Saturday 2 November – Newcastle v Arsenal (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Sunday 10 November – Forest v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

Monday 25 November – Newcastle v West Ham (8pm) Sky Sports