Eddie Howe believes our failure to take early chances and conceding a cheap first half goal cost us dearly at Brighton, feeling Ferguson’s opener ‘dented our confidence.’
He accepts, however, that the performance wasn’t good enough, but has asked for calm as he looks to find solutions over the upcoming international break.
The boss also discussed our midfield trio, after concerns were raised about the lack of balance and cohesion between Tonali, Bruno and Joelinton at the Amex. In response, he insisted that they are forming new partnerships which will ‘take time’ to blossom, insisting our new-look midfield is ‘in it’s infancy.’
Here’s what he’s had to say, starting with his initial thoughts on the game itself:
“Tough result for us. Could have been very different and in the early stages of the game we had some good chances. We didn’t take them and the goals we conceded especially the first were tough.”
“I would probably say the first goal is key in any game. It dented our confidence, especially after last week. Not just the goal the manner of the goal was messy from our perspective.
“From then on the game was probably not the game we wanted it to be, the second goal. It came when we were fighting to get back into the game, the subs came on and made a difference and then out of nothing they score again.”
Howe then discussed our losing streak, accepting ‘concerns’ but staying calm as we head into the break:
“I am very realistic. Of course, there are concerns when you are not winning and have lost three in a row. I am not naive to that. You have factors and reasons, the fixture list was very tough for us.
“My job is to be calm and analyse where we can better then go to work on where we can get better.”
Howe then touched on our midfield trio of Tonali, Bruno and Joelinton, defending their lacklustre display at the Amex:
“I think it’s in its infancy, that has to be noted. I don’t think that’s necessarily a criticism of any one of those players but it’s a new-look midfield and that takes time to build the relationships.”
Eddie kidding himself if he thought we were giving them a game until they scored, their goal had been coming and second half we were never in it and the subs did not make any difference other than Wilson looking sharp and taking his goal really well.
David Dryburgh(Quote)
there were several early chances not taken by Newcastle United.
Brighton had established a rhythm, were the better team And looked threatening (without actually creating chances) up to the first goal
First goal was poor with several errors and lax pressing which was a feature all day.
Brighton are very good and showed they could cut through the press today.
2nd half was poor full stop. Very passive with 2nd /3rd goals dreadful to concede and typical of that passivity.
On the subs .. took me ages to figure out what howe’d done
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
In its infancy my ****, looks disjointed, seriously needs the stability of Longstaff back in there to have that foundation.
Pepelepew(Quote)
We played absolutely terrible. 3 on the bounce. We’ve spent all this money for what? Excuse after excuse. Very disappointed.
Phil Barras(Quote)
We need to sack howe ASAP and replace him with guardiola or Emery.
Jeffrey(Quote)
Some how Jeffery for some strange reason can’t see Man City letting Guardiola go was expecting Bungle Zippy George to come up after your name with that comment
Darren Bebb(Quote)
The last three games Newcastle were closed down quickly ever time they had the ball.when the opposition had the ball they gave them ample time to look about to see who to pass to. Triangular passing round cardboard cutouts.no attempt to close them down. I predicted. the score after ten minutes. I thought Steve Bruce had sneaked back in as manager very disappointed very little forward effort . To much time spent passing the ball about in our own goal area?
Malcolm carr(Quote)