Eddie Howe admitted he felt “angry” with himself after Newcastle United suffered a 3-2 home defeat to Brentford on Saturday evening, their fourth loss in five games across all competitions. The result leaves the Saudi Arabian-owned club 12th in the Premier League, and boos rang out at full-time.
“I don’t blame the supporters for expressing their feelings but it’s hard to hear,” said Howe, who conducted a lengthy dressing room inquest. “We’ve had a run of games where we haven’t played as well as we can and got punished. There’s nothing else to do but accept responsibility for it.”
Howe criticised his side’s defending, stating: “It’s not good enough… There were certain moments tonight when we didn’t defend anywhere near well enough, either individually or collectively.” He also took personal blame, saying: “I’ve got to think long and hard… I’m annoyed with myself, angry with myself and blaming myself. I’ve got to take full responsibility for everything you see on the pitch.”
The manager refused to blame fixture congestion or injuries for the poor run, despite Newcastle’s involvement in four competitions. “It’s a mentality issue, I don’t think it’s an ability issue,” he said. “We’ve got to show real character and strength.”
Howe noted that Newcastle’s trademark physical aggression has been lacking. “It only takes one or two players to be off physically for that to break down,” he said. Meanwhile, Brentford manager Keith Andrews was delighted after his side’s fourth win in six Premier League games, saying: “There’s a feeling around the group that whoever we go up against we can win.”
