Eddie Howe watched on as his Newcastle United team lost 3-2 to Brentford.
Brutally honest after the game from the United boss.
Eddie Howe declares after Newcastle 2 Brentford 3: “I think there is a harsh reality for me, I think I have to think long and hard about my… not my efforts, my efforts… I can’t question that about myself, but I think I have to work better. I have to do more. I have to take full responsibility for everything you see on the field and I have to work out solutions.”
One of the many things I like about Eddie Howe is that he doesn’t hide or try to pass the blame.
Newcastle United’s head coach makes no excuses.
I think there are plenty of mitigating factors, so many tough games lately with so little recovery time in between, plus so many injury problems.
While I certainly don’t think some players were at 100% physically today, the Head Coach felt like he had little choice but to play them.
However, when matches end in defeat, even if there are mitigating factors, you still have to find a way to turn the tide.
Eddie Howe takes full responsibility for getting United back on track, but at the same time makes it clear that the players must all do their part: “So I think my job is (to find solutions) and then of course I have to ask the same of the players. I have to ask them to be very honest with themselves and look at their best level and assess how they are playing against that right now, in this current moment. And I don’t think there are too many people who can say they are playing at their best. So I think that gives us growth to improve.”
Newcastle 2 Brentford 3 – Saturday 7 February 2026 5.30pm
Match statistics
Goals:
Newcastle United:
Botman 24, Bruno pen 79
Brentford:
Janelt 37, Thiago 45+2 pens, Ouattara 85
Possess was Newcastle 54% Brentford 46%
Total shots were Newcastle 16 Brentford 11
Shots on target were Newcastle 4 Brentford 5
Corners were Newcastle 9 Brentford 3
Touches in the opposition box Newcastle 24 Brentford 21
Newcastle team vs Brentford:
Pope, Trippier (Burn 87), Thiaw, Botman, Hall, Tonali (Ramsey 87), Bruno, Willock (Elanga 46), Barnes, Jacob Murphy (Woltemade 46), Wissa (Osula 65)
subtitles:
Ramsdale, Alex Murphy, Neave, Shahar
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