Just one of the many reasons why I love Eddie Howe so much – Reflecting on Chelsea defeat

The Mag

·28 Oktober 2024

Just one of the many reasons why I love Eddie Howe so much – Reflecting on Chelsea defeat

No matter what the result, what you get from Eddie Howe is total honesty.

This is just one of the many reasons why I love the Newcastle United boss so much.

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Win, lose, or draw, Eddie Howe tells it like it is.

When the positive results are flowing, the NUFC Head Coach remains balanced, doesn’t go over the top.

That means Eddie Howe is worth listening to when things go the other way. When United lose he tells the truth and doesn’t hide from his team’s shortcomings, though at the same time, doesn’t throw any players under a bus to deflect from what he could have done better himself (as certain previous Newcastle bosses did…).

Eddie Howe reflects on what happened on Sunday at Stamford Bridge:

“I think it is the details that we have to improve really.

“The second Chelsea goal was a killer for us.

“We had chances that we didn’t take, so we look at those details again in both boxes, that will win and lose you games.

“It [12th place on 12 points] is not where we want to be.

“But that is the reality and we have to accept it.

“I think a couple of wins changes everything, would change the picture very quickly.

“For me, so long as the players are committed, are together and giving everything in the matches, then I will take whatever the results are.

“I think you could see that we were absolutely all of those things against Chelsea.

“That gives me real heart for what is ahead.”

Eddie Howe asked about Newcastle fans booing the decision to sub Sandro Tonali off and replace him with Sean Longstaff:

“I understand that the supporters love Sandro and want to see him stay on the pitch.

“But every decision I make is, in my eyes, to the benefit of the team.

“And also with a view on the horizon, the games we have to come.

“I think Sandro can only do his bit and influence the game so much.

“I think there’s more to come from him.”

Eddie Howe asked about the performances of Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento who started their careers at Chelsea:

“They are two outstanding players.

“It would have been a big day for them, coming back to their former club.

“I thought they did themselves proud, both in and out of possession.

“Our full-backs are such a big part of what we do, how we attack. I thought they used the ball really well.

“They were given tough examinations, they were up against very good opponents, but I was really pleased with both of their performances.”

Eddie Howe asked about the performances of Dan Burn and Fabian Schar:

“I would say they have done outstandingly well for a long period of time, both players, in different positions.

“Dan Burn has played left-back for us as well.

“I think they have defended fine.

“I don’t think that has been our issue this season.

“We conceded two goals against Chelsea and we are disappointed with that.

“But I think the disappointment for us has generally been the other way, n possession we have been uncharacteristically off.

“But of course, we will always look at how we play, the balance of our team, and try to make those decisions to win us games.”

Eddie Howe asked about Anthony Gordon:

“He felt his groin [on Saturday] in training.

“We hope that it is not serious but he will go for a scan, probably tomorrow [Monday].”

Chelsea 2 Newcastle 1 – Sunday 27 October 2pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Isak 32

Chelsea:

Jackson 18, Palmer 47

Possession was Newcastle 49% Chelsea 51%

Total shots were Newcastle 11 Chelsea 17

Shots on target were Newcastle 3 Chelsea 7

Corners were Newcastle 4 Chelsea 7

Touches in the box Newcastle 26 Chelsea 32

Newcastle United team v Chelsea:

Pope, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall (Kelly 89), Joelinton (Osula 89), Bruno, Tonali (Longstaff 68), Barnes (Willock 68), Isak, Almiron (Jacob Murphy 68)

UNUSED SUBS:

Ruddy, Krafth, Lewis Miley, Vlachodimos

((BBC Sport comments from ‘neutrals’ – Interesting on Newcastle United after Chelsea defeat – Read HERE)

(This is the time to back Eddie Howe and not sack him – Read HERE)

(This perfectly sums up the divide between Chelsea and Newcastle United – Read HERE)

(Chelsea 2 Newcastle 1 – Instant Newcastle United fan / writer reaction – Read HERE)

Newcastle United upcoming matches confirmed to end of January 2025:

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

Saturday 30 November – Crystal Palace v Newcastle