Eddie Howe admits our lack of goals this season “is a concern” after we drew a blank in last night’s 2-0 defeat to West Ham at St James’ Park.
We saw individual mistakes for both goals conceded and struggled defensively in Dan Burn’s absence, but we were equally poor in the final third, where we missed chances in the first half and failed to create a thing in a turgid second 45.
We’ve now scored just five goals in six Premier League home games this season, managing 13 goals in 12 games overall; less than half the tally we’d racked up at this stage last term. It’s a worry and was another example of how we struggle to break down low blocks, especially after going a goal down.
On the lack of goals, Howe said: “It is a concern. I can’t say anything other because it’s the most important aspect of the team. We need to score to create that belief but we’re still creating [chances], we could have scored. But we’re still not as fluid as we could have been.
“A lot of that is potentially down to individuals, their execution and their confidence in those big moments. We had big moments and opportunities and if you take those, more come off the back of it.”
Reflecting on the game itself, Howe added: “The first 60 minutes I thought we were okay. We conceded two disappointing goals, the first one, in particular, was disappointing for us because we started well. We kick ourselves for that one in particular but we reacted well initially. After they scored their second goal we lost our way.
“For both goals we know we made individual mistakes. It was disappointing from our perspective. Very uncharacteristic from us because we’ve defended well in recent weeks.
“At the end we had players out of position, so I didn’t like the way we looked at the end. But up until that 60 minute mark I thought we were the dominant team.”
Isak started off sloppy not looking for the best option, not for the first time, and his finishing was awful, looks like he wants away.
Kelly must have been looking for low flying aircraft for the first goal rather than where the ball was which he should have attacked.
Gordon and Barnes were lethargic to say the least no composure from Gordon with his chance either.
Willock after his knock disappeared totally and Bruno for the umpteenth time this season dallied on the ball and was dispossessed.
Giving or discussing players fancy new contracts does nothing for their game imo especially during the season.
Both fullbacks at least showed willingness and energy as did Joelinton (first half)
Intensity is our identity applied to Antonio and Bowen not our lot.
Joseph(Quote)
I think last season playing to many games still affecting us, or maybe we can blame to many injuries,
Do we ever train corners or free kicks maybe we should start now finally we fixed the throw ins, Simply Eddie and his team are not good enough, people talk about what he has achieved, well nothing really, Erik got Manu the FA cup league cup yet he walked. And they are in Europe every season.
So it is time for Eddie to walk
BMlondon(Quote)
Howe was totally outwitted by West Ham manager and Howe and his favourite players not good enough Willock Longstaff were terrible we need someone who can change tactics and knows how too and for someone to say goodbye to Howe hopefully
THOMAS ROBSON(Quote)