Eddie Howe has candidly expressed his frustration following Newcastle United’s 3-1 defeat at Fulham, a performance he described as the “worst” he has witnessed from his side this season. The Newcastle boss pulled no punches in his post-match assessment, openly acknowledging the team’s struggles, particularly in defense. He explained that the goals Newcastle conceded were poor and avoidable, further elaborating that the team was far too reactive and lacked the defensive organization necessary to cope with Fulham’s attacking play.
Howe admitted that the game was a major disappointment from a defensive standpoint, stressing that the team failed to rise to the occasion. “Defensively, we were not good enough,” Howe stated bluntly, adding that the defensive errors that led to Fulham’s goals were a result of poor decision-making and a lack of intensity. He emphasized that such performances were unacceptable and made it clear that significant work would need to be done to ensure Newcastle doesn’t repeat such mistakes in the future.
Reflecting on the match, Howe identified several key moments that defined Newcastle’s struggles. While the team’s overall performance lacked cohesion, the defense, in particular, was exposed throughout the game. Newcastle found themselves 2-0 down at halftime, a scoreline that, in Howe’s view, flattered his side considering how vulnerable they looked at the back. He pointed to the first goal, which stemmed from Newcastle’s failure to close down Fulham’s attackers, as the catalyst for their difficulties. The second goal was the result of goalkeeper Nick Pope’s inability to deal with a shot effectively, allowing the ball to slip past him too easily. Finally, the third goal came after Bruno Guimaraes’ calamitous giveaway in his own box, handing Fulham an easy chance to extend their lead.
Each of these errors, Howe explained, could have been avoided with sharper focus and more disciplined defending. The passive approach Newcastle took in key moments, particularly in the first half, was a point of concern for Howe, who emphasized that teams cannot afford to be reactive when playing away from home. “When you give the opposition the kind of help we did with that first goal, it makes it incredibly difficult to come back,” Howe remarked. “That first half was tough for us. Fulham played well, but we made it far too easy for them.”
However, the defensive lapses were only part of the story. Howe’s decision to include Joe Willock in the starting lineup was another key talking point. Willock, who had recently returned from a thigh injury, had impressed with a cameo performance in Newcastle’s previous game against Wolves, and Howe had intended to reward him with a starting place in the XI. Unfortunately, that decision backfired. Willock struggled to make an impact in a game that demanded high intensity and physical sharpness, and Howe admitted after the match that he might have erred in his judgment.
The Newcastle manager was quick to take responsibility for the move, explaining that while Willock had earned his chance with his strong showing against Wolves, the timing might not have been ideal. “Joe did really well against Wolves, and I felt it was right to reward him with a start,” Howe said. “But then you see the game and I start to question whether it was the right decision. That’s on me. I’ll take responsibility for that.”
Howe’s decision to include Willock, despite his recent injury, was driven by the midfielder’s importance to the team. Willock has been a key player for Newcastle, and Howe clearly values his contributions. But in this case, the desire to bring Willock back into the fold may have come too soon, especially considering the intensity of the Premier League. “Joe is just back from injury, and he’s done very well to come back as quickly as he has,” Howe explained. “He’s such a big player for us, and I was keen to see him back on the pitch, but it was a tough game for him and the team. It’s not the kind of decision I like to make, but I felt we needed to do it for the game and for our performance.”
Despite the defeat and the challenges Newcastle faced in the match, Howe remains determined to learn from the experience. His post-match comments reflected a manager who is not afraid to hold himself accountable, whether it’s for tactical decisions or team selection. But more than that, they revealed a coach who is committed to ensuring that his team improves and bounces back from setbacks.
Newcastle’s performance at Fulham was far from the standard Howe expects from his side, and he made it clear that changes will be made to address the defensive issues that plagued the team. “We need to be better,” Howe said. “There’s no doubt about that. We’re going to work hard to put this right, and we’ll make sure that performances like this don’t happen again.”
The manager’s comments also suggest that he will be more cautious in handling the return of key players like Willock, ensuring that they are fully ready before being thrust into high-stakes matches. While the desire to reward players for their hard work and positive contributions is understandable, Howe recognizes that it must be balanced with careful consideration of their fitness and readiness.
Overall, Newcastle’s defeat at Fulham was a harsh reminder of the challenges that come with competing in the Premier League, particularly away from home. Defensive mistakes, poor decision-making, and rushed team selections combined to create a difficult afternoon for the Magpies. But with Howe at the helm, there is every reason to believe that the team will learn from these mistakes, make the necessary adjustments, and come back stronger.