Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe expressed frustration after his side’s inconsistent performance in the recent Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland, calling the situation a “horrible feeling.”

The Magpies suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, halting their progress after a promising run in November and early December. Newcastle had previously looked like they had “turned a corner” following a morale-boosting victory over Manchester City and a subsequent four-game unbeaten streak, but the latest setback against arch-rivals Sunderland delivered a harsh reality check for Howe and his squad.

Howe Frustrated by Newcastle’s Inconsistency

Eddie Howe, who has been in charge at Newcastle United since November 2021, admitted that the unpredictability of his team’s performances is taking a toll. “It’s a horrible feeling, because when you enter a game you want your players to go on to the pitch and give absolutely everything they have within their soul and their body to get a positive result,” Howe said in a press briefing on Tuesday.

Howe emphasized that he expects commitment and mentality from every player: “That’s the only thing I ever ask a player to do. Then I back their abilities once they go on to the pitch with that mindset to deliver a really good performance. There have been a few times this season where I’ve left a game unsure on that, and that’s mentality. That’s knowing you’re representing yourself and your families when you enter the pitch.”

The Newcastle head coach also pointed out that part of the problem is that the team has “lost a little bit” of cohesion, and he stressed the importance of regaining that unity quickly.

Tyne-Wear Derby Defeat Adds Pressure

Sunday’s defeat left Newcastle sitting 12th in the Premier League table, with just one away league victory since mid-April. Howe admitted that the derby loss was particularly difficult to take given the expectations surrounding the match. The team’s approach at the Stadium of Light, prioritizing a compact setup over a bold attacking strategy, backfired, leaving fans and management disappointed.

Captain Bruno Guimaraes openly acknowledged the team’s underwhelming performance, describing it as a “mess.” Howe, while partially agreeing with the captain, maintained that Newcastle was not disorganized: “We weren’t a mess – we were very well organized. We just didn’t deliver the performance that we wanted. Bruno is very emotional and that’s part of his success. That’s why he’s such an outstanding player for us and leader for us.”

Looking Ahead: Carabao Cup Quarter-Finals

Newcastle must quickly regroup as they face Fulham in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals at St James’ Park on Wednesday. Howe stressed that while discussion and reflection off the pitch are important, the team’s preparation and mindset are crucial. “The mindset now is we can’t affect the past – we can only affect the future. We need to do that today,” Howe added.

However, the Magpies will face this challenge without defender Dan Burn, who is sidelined for four to six weeks after sustaining a broken rib and punctured lung in the derby clash. Burn’s absence will test Newcastle’s defensive depth as they look to bounce back from a frustrating spell in both domestic and cup competitions.

A Season of Ups and Downs

Newcastle’s season so far has been characterized by unpredictability. Following defeats to Brentford, West Ham, and Marseille, the Magpies have repeatedly struggled to maintain momentum. Howe’s focus remains on rebuilding the team’s consistency, mentality, and confidence.

“Your job is to do your best, and we are working hard to get that glue back,” Howe said. With a tough schedule ahead, Newcastle United’s ability to stabilize their performances will be crucial to climbing the Premier League table and progressing in domestic cup competitions.