ANGER? Newcastle United deserved PRAISE + why Isak looked a City player!

The Daily Mail's Craig Hope was taken aback by some of the online anger towards Eddie Howe and Newcastle following their 3-2 defeat by Manchester City. Here, he takes you inside St James' Park with his reflections, and there is a lot of praise for Kevin de Bruyne.
Click here to read Craig's ‪@mailsportfootball‬ match report... www.dailymail....

[@daledadolphin]

Some people are saying stuff like “excuses are getting boring now”. It’s just so simple minded. Like injuries doesn’t just randomly stop being a reasonable excuse because time passes, if anything it becomes MORE VALID over time if you still have the same amount of injuries. We’ve had over 10 players out for literally months, it’s not like there’s been some people around, there’s literally no attacking options on the bench and it’s only getting worse, not better. It’s infuriating how people can’t look beyond their own frustration at losing.

[@tomruddell9099]

I could say the same to you, we’ve had some freak injuries yes but also the squad has been terribly managed throughout the whole season. Joelinton last week another fine example

[@MarkWeir-cr5tk]

I think both of you correct, injuries have been long term and horrific which means in last 20m we are knackered and our front 5 yesterday were out on there feet but only just lost to best team in the world. However how we have managed those injuries has been poor, Murphy just one example and coincidence of Chief Physio leaving club not a coincidence

[@johnvanreijn3591]

We need to look at rafas medical team, I don’t know what he done but he was great at managing injuries

[@tf6940]

Losing this game has nothing to do with injuries the fact is trippers mistake cost us!!!

[@tomruddell9099]

@@johnvanreijn3591 he was a top manager. Worked with what he had and the games. I don’t want him back but it just highlights Eddie’s failing for me this season. Who sent Joelinton out 2nd half. It’s all so amateur

[@360TXJ]

So, had we been able to swap Isaak for Wilson, Miley for Joelinton, Gordon for Barnes, Willock & Murphy to replace tired legs after 60 mins plus, it’s a different game. Fans need to understand where we have come from and be patient, this was a great performance and we lost to our injury list. We will finish 6th and win the FA cup, HWTL!!

[@neilnicholas4028]

Spot on mate

[@mikem9309]

Agreed. Over and over again any spokesperson for the club has said it’s a slow progress, a long road but fans seem to be unable to understand what that means- it’s gonna be many years because that’s what the purpose of FFP is. No quick fixes. No money magic just a slow steady build.

[@BaronSpamedi]

Exactly. If City had our bench they would have lost that game. Instead, they brought on the best midfielder in the world. I dunno about sixth. I think eighth or above, and a good cup run would be a good season, considering the unusually bad luck we've had with simultaneous injuries and Tonali's ban. A lot of pundits thought we would finish somewhere between 5th and 8th anyway this year, because of all the extra games. Our squad just isn't strong enough yet.

[@JakeD98]

He should’ve instructed Bruno to sit deeper when KDB came on and the front 3 started to tire. Why we let a player of that quality roam around freely like that is beyond me.

[@brettharter143]

I never understand why he doesnt take Isak off when he spends the second half standing outside the box not tackling. Better park the bus

[@brettharter143]

Last 20 mins of game*

[@larslnskog7580]

Imagine being one of the youngster forwards, never ever getting any chance even when Isak have moved less than 50m for 30 minutes. What does that do to your head over an entire season. Either they are utter poo, or Howe is stuck in a loop of inaction and strange hope that players that cant even move will produce magic out of thin air.

[@gavinblenkinsop6250]

Last season has created a monster….expectation. We were beaten by the best team in world football by one of the best players in world football. We are developing and are at the beginning of our journey. We are light years away from City. Onward and upward.

[@rayray1676]

Can't forget almiron this game he played really well and used his right foot more in one game than all of his career

[@LanceStorm9]

He's our best player. Wouldn't be surprised if Real Madrid come back in for him.

[@darrenmills6208]

No anger here, disappointment, yes, but overall, I'm very proud of all them lads out there. Eddie is a very good coach, and he is still developing as we are as a club. I think we fans need to realise the journey we are on and enjoy it. ( see the bigger picture) Great video, Craig, but write the season off.... not on your nelly. Only 6 points from Europa League position with a host of advantageous games to come.

[@montybrewster7]

You make a good point darren. I think we all need a reminder now & then to enjoy the journey & to remeber where we've so recently come from to where we are now. Howay the lads.

[@darrenmills6208]

​@@montybrewster7 Absolutely, my friend, 💯 spot on. 👍

[@tiredoftheentitled9009]

​@@montybrewster7yes, enjoy 27% possession at home, must feel great to watch and support Eddie we were unlucky Howe

[@iandawson2156]

Great reporting Craig sensible and although gutted for the team feel more sympathy than anger. If we had such a world beater to bring on off the bench it may have been different but we just don’t.

[@toonarmy8524]

not yet. its a 5 year plan remember and Newcastle are going about it the right way.

[@BaronSpamedi]

Exactly. If they had our bench they probably would have lost. They wanted to bolster their midfield, so they brought on the best midfielder in the world. We brought on Hall. They could have also used Phillips and Grealish if they wanted. We could have used Ritchie.

[@BeastyEggzz]

Its not the fact we lost, its the fact we get done by the same thing every game. Midfielder drift beyonds a flat 3 in midfield and has 15 yards of space to turn and square up our defence 4 on 4. How can a manager not see these glaring issues every half decent team exposes it?

[@JackBurton3963]

Scary isn’t it

[@dobryden8558]

This was happening when Bruce was manager no midfield! Very convenient Debrune came on to take the free kick and played against a knackered back four well done slap head Pep.😅😅😅😅

[@tomruddell9099]

He’s been found out so badly this season.

[@gregwalsh2045]

Bruno is running like he is in slow motion in the latter stages of most games, they are knackered and no options on the bench, what to do? Other than drop to a back 5?

[@tomruddell9099]

@@gregwalsh2045 I tell you what pep would do, move Schar forward a little like he did stones. Give some protection towards the end of the game. Sitting and doing nothing week in week out is inexcusable

[@johnenglish929]

That Eales interview was like someone emptying a bucket of ice cold water on my head from a great height.

[@derekoetting4245]

No criticism from me. You can see a vast improvement in the way we are playing. I dont think any real newcastle fan is in anger we all know that eddie is doing a wonderful job. Am sick of hearing from the cartoon land people who want it now and eddie out and all that tripe. Go and support another team please.

[@LanceStorm9]

Eddie Howe is on the verge of being sacked. We're in a relegation battle and I can see us getting beat by Forest and Luton again

[@phoenixrisin5848]

Totally agree, I think there's been a number of occasions this season where criticism would've been warranted but yesterday wasn't one of them. And agree about our pressing from the front, thought Isaak was particularly guilty of not working hard enough in the last 15 minutes.

[@RENCHER]

No anger or armchair management from me. We competed with the best team in the world and were undone by one of the world's best players. That's football. It's ALWAYS easy to suggest substitutes would have changed things, but if subs come on and we lose, it's the same voices criticizing.

[@camrutherfordski]

If Howe had 300+ million worth of players on the bench every game, I generally believe we would be challenging for the league. With the players he has available he’s doing as well as any top manager would do.

[@tomruddell9099]

If Howe had 300+ million on the bench he’d play the same team every week and look like a rabbit in the headlight on the touchline with Jason trying to talk some life into him

[@michaelmckie9164]

@@tomruddell9099nonsense. Some people have short memories. Got us to a cup final and top 4 last year. Still back him to get to Europe on a late charge with fit players.

[@tomruddell9099]

@@michaelmckie9164 yeah okay, you keep repeating that line. I hope I’m wrong but can’t see any learning or adapting whatsoever. It’s know it’s hard to accept after everything he’s done for us

[@tomruddell9099]

@@michaelmckie9164 got us to a cup final and didn’t turn up. Played his mate Wilson instead of Isak. Losing a cup final isn’t a good thing, against an average Man U team. I remember 97/98 finals and they are not good memories

[@toonarmy8524]

@@tomruddell9099 wake up and smell what your shoveling bell end.

[@timwatson4344]

Notwithstanding the first half performance without him, if Joelinton was on the pitch I think we could have held out

[@marktaylor2056]

If joelinton was in the pitch we would have either longstaff or miley on the bench to freshen up the midfield.

[@fizzysausage]

Cracking perspective Craig. It’s short sighted of some fans to pull out the daggers on Howe when he had such limitations today. Imagine the difference a Willock or Harvey Barnes would have made on 65 minutes, could have changed the balance of that consistent offence from City, it was one way from 45 onwards.. I threw out to my son, what he deemed as an outlandish idea that on 70 mins or so, replacing Isak with Lacelles up front. As mental as that sounds I would suggest he’d do a better job of holding the ball up the pitch and allowing us to clear our lines and push up a bit. Given what we had on the bench it felt like an opportunity to try something a little radical. If I was Lacelles I would have been screaming at Eddie to put me on to do a job for the team.. Keep up the great content as always

[@MarkWeir-cr5tk]

150 seconds away from getting something in a game against best team in the world, performance today was brilliant and agree Craig bench was horrible in terms of options. Loved the attitude but front 5 were knackered 65m onwards. Gutted but proud of team and Eddie

[@nickc8476]

Why don’t you ask him why he refuses to use his bench ? He gave new contacts to Ritchie, Dummett, Kraft, and signed Lewis Hall for £35m. We have lost 6/7 premier league games the bad form continues.

[@JakeD98]

It’s like we went in the season with an 18 man squad

[@supersam1914]

Why isn’t this guys making substitutions Wth is he thinking ?!?!

[@LanceStorm9]

He'd rather have his friends in the squad rather than players based on ability

[@btaylor7226]

Totally agree with everything you've said Craig. Joelinton was a HUGE miss for us in midfield. Man City's subs were inspired and their quality showed. De Bruyne was the catalyst unfortunately. We deserved to get at least a point from the game. Our goals from Isak and Gordon were fantastic. Some of our fans need to get some perspective, we've got a full team of long term injuries, not Eddie's fault, how do they expect Eddie to manage our players? What choices does he have? Its amazing how fans know better than our manager 🤷 Loads of positives for me Craig, especially with players hopefully returning in February. For me, Eddie is the best manager we could have. His work with our players showed yesterday but without any world class subs to bring on for tired minds and legs, who gave there all, it was always going to be so difficult for us. Yes Im disappointed but Im sure Eddie and the lads will be too. Our fans need to back the manager and the players, things will get better. Maybe we won't get Europe next season but as a club we will have learnt so much and will come back much stronger. Thanks so much for your honest appraisal of the match Craig, always enjoy reading it mate. Take care and enjoy your Sunday 👍🖤🤍

[@peterward8574]

Very balanced and sensible dissection of the game as usual. I can understand the frustration and anger of fans but i think people need to calm down. We have basically have the difficult second album after the highs of the first. The combination of injuries all in the same position, fixture congestion in December, very tough cup draws and agonising last minute defeats have taken their tole mentally and physically on the fit players available. I still think Eddie Howe is a brilliant coach and this would have been a very different session if we had a bench. Probably still in the champions League, in the carabao cup and higher up the league. However our flat middle three is a problem. It does seem very easy to play a 10 against us and and if you find him he's running at the back 4. We desperately need a number 6, Bruno is an excellent player and does play well there and takes the ball in deep positions and starts moves but when backs are against the wall he is not defensive minded enough. I just want to get through this season now and hopefully have a real good go next season with tonali playing and more fit players.

[@jonathansmith5850]

Another great review Craig! I was encouraged by the performance, then when I saw Debruyne warming up I had a sinking feeling and sure enough, he made the difference. Prior to him coming on, although they were better, we looked like we could hold them and get the 3 points, at least get a point. He changed everything despite not up to fitness. I hope we don’t sell up any players in the mid season and find a way through this season. I do wonder how long Eddie can hold out, and I’m a huge fan of Eddie since his years at Bournemouth. (My second team as I did my studies down there). We are just in a results business. The crazy thing is, if we had not so over achieved last season no one would be talking like this………hopefully they find a way to add a couple of people on loan without getting anyone out, just to increase numbers available.

[@radomirstanev3203]

Hello from Bulgaria, a lot of Newcastle United fans here and I'm sure the club will keep growing internationally. Just wanted to express my support for Eddie Howe, I think he is the perfect manager for us. I would like to ask the fans not the judge him so harshly, it's been a tough season so far but I believe we will have a very strong spring. Let's be patient and have faith in Eddie who took us from the relegation battle to the Champios League. I'm sure the midfield issues will be solved and we will have good players back from injuries. Cheers from Bulgaria :)

[@richardr951]

It’s incredible what Howe is able to get away with. We have a lot of injuries yes. But why do we always play the same way and lose in the same manner in these big games? The team literally stop playing coherent football and it’s just backs to wall defend and hoofball hoping for magic from Isak or Gordon. It’s not working. You have 3 central midfielders just standing there static and all foden/alvarez/kdb were doing was stand slightly ahead of them and move sideways to receive the pass

[@mark.lawrence]

100%

[@winchesterdisk6362]

The only midfielder who doesn’t deserve criticism is Bruno, the other 2 on the other hand were shocking

[@michaelmckie9164]

@@winchesterdisk6362one is 17 year old kid and the other is Sean Longstaff, they are playing against the best in the world.

[@LanceStorm9]

It's a no brainer to sack Eddie Howe. A squad overhaul is needed. We need 13 new players. Trippier is too nervy defensively towards the end of games. Daryl Janmaat and Habib Beye were better defenders

[@LanceStorm9]

​@@winchesterdisk6362I can't believe Sean Longstaff is a professional footballer. Miley should go out on loan and seems to have a footballing brain. Very slow though

[@krul2bekind974]

Can’t keep using excuses of nothing being on the bench when most of those players had their contracts extended by Howe and Co.

[@tomruddell9099]

👏🏻

[@juliogeordio7358]

True

[@LanceStorm9]

Madness giving Dummett and Ritchie new contracts. Waste of squad space and has cost us

[@anon-zk6iz]

​@@LanceStorm9 guess what, both earn 40k pw

[@LanceStorm9]

@@anon-zk6iz Not bad is it. Get paid for watching football games

[@DavidVeitch54]

We are light years above an ashley team and with revenue increasind at 40% annually it won't be long before we really worry the best team in the world. Great effort lads and you did us proud and l am sure the club know we need a No6 to negate our weakness in midfield. Very excited by the development at our club and think in two seasons will be ready to challenge regularly in the top 6 and 4 years challenge man city for the title if they are still in the premiership.

[@LanceStorm9]

We're in a relegation battle. Alan Pardew's team from 2011 was better. Demba Ba, Santon, Sissoko, Marveaux, Coloccini, Cisse etc were all class players

[@smythurrrs]

@@LanceStorm9😂😂

[@AJamesRichards-ir7yy]

Absolutely spot on analysis Craig, as always. It’s great that your commentary tells it as it is without any of the hysteria spoken by many others. We deserved a point at least as you said and in fact feel cheated once again with a last minute goal - sometimes you just can’t beat bad luck!

[@vincineratev9183]

I said again and again, what else do we expect the team to do apart from counter attacks? Play attacking football with Longstaff & Miley - impossible! We don't have our attacking CMs in the team, Wilock, Joelinton, Barnes, Murphy....For those who name Bruno to lead the attack are probably blind to what his key role is. And the fact that Man city can sub in KDB & Bobb while we can only get Hall for Gordon (LMAO) & no one for Isak. Nobody likes to lose but come on fans, we did well against City.

[@BeastyEggzz]

The Darren Eales interview was an announcement from the club that they've packed this season in. All the good feeling the derby win created was well and truly extinguished the minute that was released.

[@Holly-w5x]

Feels like the Ashley days again

[@donmongoose]

@@Holly-w5x You need your head looked at. Those days were devoid of hope, ambition or performance, it's nothing like that now. Have an ounce of patience and cross your fingers we get a slot for Europe.

[@tomruddell9099]

@@donmongoosethere was always hope, hope he would leave

[@donmongoose]

@@tomruddell9099 Maybes for some, I just had complete apathy. There's games and players from the 2nd half of his time I don't remember because I stopped paying atteention- I thought if the club/management/players dont seem to care, why should I?

[@neilnicholas4028]

Darren E was just stating the reality of the situation. This is a long term plan but because of last years success expectation are currently too high.

[@st4rskream]

This was the first game ive watched that I didnt get annoyed when we got scored against. First goal they scored i turned and said to my wife you wont see a goal like that everyday, second i said thats KDB being KDB and the third was a serious bit of skill by Bobb. Couldnt blame the team today, they gave it a shot, scored 2 great goals and the team did themselves proud. We can hope for a good performance against Villa next match

[@mbells4858]

If we don’t sign a defensive midfielder this window we may as well write this season off, we’ve got no player coming back from injury to cover there and every game our midfield gets bypassed. Besides tactics our medical department need to have a long hard look at themselves some of the management of players injured seems so odd, with the reluctance to operate and the amount of reoccurring injuries and flare ups. Have a feeling this summer might be the most difficult transfer window yet and we need to nail it. I just hope we go for some international talent instead of overpriced English players like Solanke, Ramsdale etc.

[@fredjames9867]

I still think Newcastle will end up 6th .

[@LanceStorm9]

Exactly, Howe is a major problem in the transfer market. It's his fault that we can't spend as he's overpaid for average British players

[@1574john]

Last season our fitness and stamina were what we based our performances on. This season we are a tired shadow of what we were and by the last 20 minutes we are always gassed. Last season we didn’t “Tinker” with our team and we routinely played the same 11, this season playing the same 11 is our biggest weakness. It has to be down to the extra games, the injuries, the inability to give players a rest. We have not suddenly become a poor team and Eddie isn’t suddenly a poor manager.

[@levstone415]

Great and realistic analysis. When de Bruyne came on why doesn't Eddie ask one of our players to go man-to-man and just stay tight so City can't pass the ball to him. Last goal is stupid as Bruno retreats when he should step forwards towards Bruyne so City can't pass the ball to Bruyne. Letting Bruyne receive the ball unmarked is simply suicide. I realise everyone is tired and football is becoming like rugby where the substitutes coming on after 60mins effectively decides which team wins the game.

[@RSHeth1390]

We sat back and got what we deserved

[@fredjames9867]

Doing a west ham and failed

[@LanceStorm9]

Yep, Howe will be sacked soon

[@manakara9821]

C;mon Craig, the subs choices were again at fault. That falls on Howe's shoulders. Why does he not play the young legs? They can't learn sitting on their backsides.

[@Jettplayzgames]

You seriously think he’s gonna throw on Alex Murphy or Parkinson on vs City with the game on the line??!

[@jeffreylough3068]

Another high quality, balanced, sensible assessment of a Newcastle match. So grateful for these videos! No points again, but Man City were on top form right from the start, absolutely relentless in their attacking play, and then that man comes on to change the game...

[@craighope_dailymail]

Thanks Jeffrey.

[@wafiwahab4472]

i don’t care what debryune did or what players should have done. why oh why didn’t howe sub lascelles and kraft on with 3 mins left. come on

[@garyperkins4193]

Fair report on a team and manager I am very proud of. And as a supporter, I haven’t been able to say that - last season apart - in the last twenty years. No disgrace to loose such a great game by one goal to the world champions.

[@porciestreethenderson202]

Against ANY other team in our division, we would have destroyed them. It is soooo obvious that not only are we not of the class of Man City, but their substitutes are a class above our first 11 standard. We will get there but we're running on fumes until the time Eddie can adjust the standard of our players. Dont get me wrong, we played extremely well to come back the way we did but please remember, the lads are running on blood not petrol. Our time is coming..Patience please

[@GoldenbanjoDJ]

Saying this as a fan who said ‘I don’t expect us to be winning everything yet, I just want us to compete’ and that’s undoubtedly the case now. There’s too many times that we don’t take enough care of the ball, and struggle to get out. Teams are beginning to dominate us a bit and for as phenomenal a player Isak is, he can’t hold the ball up. Our top two inches are a worry. Tend to choke a lot towards the end of games and let in goals. I didn’t think KDBs goal was outstanding. He received a pass in space, drove forward unchallenged and passed it in. Could a CB not have closed down sooner? There were 2 available and 1 could have taken Alvarez. The last goal a further example. We invite pressure on. We’ve been doing it since Milan in round 1 of champs league - we can’t hold out forever. We always lose the plot when playing against a proper 10. We even make Ross Barkley look like a top player when he plays. Foden looks world class then KDB comes on and it’s game over. It’s a pre-Howe problem but the toon just traditionally just can’t handle a 10 and it’s mental. Injuries and fatigue compound the issues but I do think there’s a bit of game management that needs to be done. We do have to accept there are elements of the game that can be improved upon that aren’t simply injury related

[@caseball-uk386]

Howes own downfall was him not wanting a CDM. Not putting someone like Kraft to mark KDB when he came on is absolutely crazy, letting him stand between the lines and standing off him is horrible game management. We can make it hard to play against with different tactics but Howe doing nothing again when they overload midfield is absolutely horrendous AGAIN .Tripps another horrible mistake, line stays and he drops, schoolboy error again ....

[@audreyhall8644]

You me and a blind man can see that but not the manager.

[@LanceStorm9]

Yep, Howe has to go for the benefit of the club

[@LanceStorm9]

​@@audreyhall8644The three central midfielder's are all too slow. That's the main problem

[@liamk15]

without KDB I think Newcastle would of got something out of this game.

[@LanceStorm9]

We need to get Graham Carr back. He used to recommend quality players from the French and German leagues for affordable prices. Need players like Moussa Sissoko, Ben Arfa, Santon etc

[@anon-zk6iz]

Nah, it's Andy Howe. Nepotism at its finest.

[@LanceStorm9]

Why does he keep playing Bruno Guimaraes and Miguel Almiron out of position? Guimaraes is primarily a holding midfielder. He's played that role throughout the most of his career.

[@thegoat11111]

I think that the fitness level requirement for Eddie's hard press has gone a long way towards burning our players out as well as contributing towards our injury woes. Eddie's game management and tactical awareness needs to improve. For example bringing on a few extra defenders for the last fifthteen minutes may have earned us a point. Also, the players need to stay switched on until the final whistle. City's passing and ball retention is something that we need to emulate.

[@supersam1914]

💯 agree

[@dobryden8558]

Yes and so much for the new training facilities , this is what you get if you flog the players just ask Leeds Howe is the new Bielsa😂😂😂😂

[@RushfanUK]

I think the range of injuries to a swath of our squad makes it a little bit difficult to be able to change things in the final third of the match by bringing on players from the bench, Pope, Joelinton, Wilson, Willock, Murphy alone are a massive miss, Livramento also is a loss, as for emulating City's passing and ball retention think about how much time and money it has taken to get to that stage for City, the project is not this week or next it has always been about a journey over time but you obviously don't get that.

[@mikem9309]

I agree but it’s gonna be many many years til we don’t have ALOT to learn from Pep and Man City

[@levstone415]

Injuries to Barnes, Murphy, Pope, Anderson and not having Sandro are not related to playing style.

[@BoldonBigLad]

Great summary as always. Can't agree more regarding the freedom we give them in midfield for the #10 cross. Not sure who was meant to be our #6

[@paulgardner4931]

Even tho we lost the game, what a game, there's no shame in losing against the best team in the world, we scored good goals and seemed to be holding on till the whistle but no not our day, well played lads we will start winning again.

[@Nienna1837]

Everyone was bleating on how Eddie made Miggy, Big Joe, Schär, Jacob play well and how improved they are, and yet he is not able to train or transform the lads on the subs bench for a 15 min job so we can see games out? Are the lads on the bench absolute donkeys who are untrainable? We have seen Jamal play well for many games this season and he has considerably minimized the mistakes he makes during past years. So why can't the others be trusted? If they are so bad why are they around and why do not we trade them for someone competent (even a15 minute cameo competent)?

[@LanceStorm9]

Schar and Almiron were already great players. He did the right thing moving Joelinton into midfield. That's the only good thing he's done whilst he's been here

[@gordonanderson1508]

Why no criticism of Howes game management? Midfield and forwards redundant in last ten minutes so why not bring on fresh legs in shape of some defenders? What was point of Hall coming on? Miley was out of his depth, Longstaff poor and not one of Bruno’s best. Should have gone wholly defensive for last ten minutes to save the draw. They’re winner, well it’s that man Trippier again. If I sound negative it’s because Howes’ tactical ability to see out a game is shockingly poor Praise for our lads efforts but once again all for nothing.

[@tf6940]

This his a true and honest opinion 👏

[@LanceStorm9]

​@@tf6940Howe out

[@Cornflake81]

Fans need to give their head a shake. We were right there with a thin squad, they did better than I thought. It's just a season of bad breaks and that's okay. Some players have really grown this year and when we add in the summer it'll be a tough team to best next year.

[@anon-zk6iz]

We will give extensions to Dummett and Ritchie 😂

[@rogercookcouk]

They set THE bar level. Every position has a top top quality player. And their bench. Whereas we had 4 maybe 5 players throughout at that level. Shows the difference in class and how far we have to go. We will get there.

[@LanceStorm9]

Not with Eddie Howe in charge, we won't. Just imagine him being given a £200m war chest in the summer. He'd spent it on Solanke, Phillips and Lloyd Kelly

[@mypointoftoon]

Great reporting and insight Craig. It was a gutting result, but the effort from the lads was tremendous and still believe in Eddie. I don't feel the season is a write-off just yet, but I think we should forget about league positions/outcomes for now until injured players start to come back and we can build a little consistency.

[@NeilChambers-y1d]

Brilliant fair analysis of the game Craig. You will always get a minority of wingers. Eddie is doing a great job

[@Cumbriamag]

I’ve so much respect for Eddie - who, given this season’s challenges (ffp and injuries) is trying to keep the plates spinning for us. As disappointing is this season is panning out to be, I firmly believe that he will take us into the summer ok and let’s see what happens then!! Keep the faith!!

[@boemher15]

He needs to sub off tired starters and use the bench. I dont care who he brings on its about protecting players and resting starting 11 for next game. The pattern of fading and conceding late goals is so boring.

[@supersam1914]

You cannot tell me Eddie couldn’t make at least 3 subs why do people say he couldn’t bring guys on ???? All we needed were legs especially when your sitting back playing for a draw . Richie Krafth and Hall could have been in at 65-70 min .

[@boemher15]

Players like Ritchie and Dummett played well in the cup at Old Trafford yet arent deemed good enough for a 25 min run out at St James Park in the league or against Luton. Its infuriating

[@rowan5109]

Because we are sick of losing Craig

[@Jettplayzgames]

You could always root for Sunderland instead

[@LanceStorm9]

In a relegation battle

[@LanceStorm9]

Luton and Forest are better than us

[@andrewharrison7767]

The lack of proactive changes is the thing that annoys me - in most games Gordon & Miggy's legs are gone from 65-70 minutes, but yesterday leaving them on & staying 433 gifted City the midfield; Ritchie is regularly left on the bench, but played 60 minutes at Wolves, surely he can regularly play 15-20 minutes? If not, why did we keep him? At 2-1 or even 2-2, we could have subbed the 2 knackered forwards, then gone 451 to pack the midfield , or brought one of the defenders on to focus purely on de bruyne - either option has to be better than just watching games slip away

[@esembee7717]

Spaces that have appeared between the midfield and defence are a bit of a worry. Not sure if it's because of the defensive line playing a bit deeper, the midfield field three trying to play a bit more forward or the fact that the front three can only sustain the high press for so long in games. I feel this season is definitely a case of trying to regroup now and finish as high up the table as possible. Enjoy the games week in, week out and not focus too much on whether we can get into Europe or not. For me, Howe is still the man for us at the minute and we need to stick together. That doesn't mean we can't criticise the team or tactics, but it's surely far too early for us to turn into entitled fans like the so called big 6 are.

[@SKINDEREE]

You can forgive a defeat against City because even the most optimistic fan didn't expect us to win. It is all the other defeats this season against clubs we shouldn't be losing against that finds us in the predicament we're in!

[@nicoladolby2154]

I think the problem is obvious, we lack squad depth. However the problem would be alleviated somewhat re: wages if we could get Manquillo, Hayden & Co off the books. I’m unaware if buying players out of contracts applies to FFP, but when Barnes, Willock & Wilson will be back for Villa were panicking unnecessarily. Further the owners & Eddie Howe should take the plunge on this Brazilian youngster & the Swedish attacker. Time to trust Dan Ashworth & Steve Nickson a bit more.

[@asenaleksiev1825]

Lpool city milan all lost after winning position. No one questions Howe’s decision making and incompetence to manage a huge game from winning position. We did not try to play football, we parked the bus!!!

[@mark.lawrence]

the best midfielder in PL history walks onto the pitch on 75mins... & is allowed to roam around to do as he pleases? come on... ffs put a man to man on him if defending a one goal lead is your plan? we got what we deserved; nothing. again.

[@givenright]

Howe has enough credit in the bank to see the season out and then the owners will be parting ways. His in game management could be questioned before the injury crisis. I feel his methods are likely to be a contributor towards the injury problem too. Just falling a bit short im afraid.

[@LanceStorm9]

We're in a relegation battle. He will be sacked in due course

[@ItsmeAndygNUFC]

We played well are tactics were spot on , I did notice burn was at times trying to play a 3rd cb role and leaving the whole left hand side wide open But we put up a good fight and that's all we ask Gordon 🌟🌟🌟

[@vinchenzo678]

Fantastic game ...football hurts sometimes,Eddie has fetched defenders on in the past when we've been ahead and been criticised when it hasn't went our way.

[@kristianheadland8184]

The volume of injuries is hard for team to deal with. But continuing to play the same 11 increases the chance of more injuries in that team. We have no forward line to sub on but could we not change formation and start to bring in the likes of Kraft, Hall to reduce the fatigue for the next games. Eddie is seeing them everyday so he knows what they are like but a player of lesser quality who is fresh must be better than a more quality player fatigued mentally and physically by 70 mins of football.

[@adrianbromfild8624]

Newcastle will be glad to see the end of the season and take stock of what needs to be done for them to improve and get back up the league and how much faith the owners have in the current squad and manager remains to be seen

[@colinshield2769]

WELL SAID CRAIG, Spot on 👏

[@Adamm357]

How hard is it to tell Bruno to sit deep and stop pushing forward? If you play 4-3-3, you need one of the midfield 3 to sit deep and protect the defence. He's always pushing up and leaving a huge gap in front of the defence. It's beyond frustrating.

[@LanceStorm9]

The new manager needs to get rid of the following players: Nick Pope Gillespie Krafth Manquillo Lascelles Dan Burn Matt Targett Jamal Lewis Lewis Hall Paul Dummett Matt Ritchie Jeff Hendrick Sean Longstaff Anthony Gordon Ryan Fraser Jacob Murphy Harvey Barnes Tonali Callum Wilson Retain the remaining players and make Graham Carr recommended type signings.

[@swc8544]

Trippier half asleep again. Should not be getting caught out in that position.

[@leechefski]

Dubravka made some great saves, but de Bruyne's soft pass into the net wasn't one of them, sadly. IMHO, five technically inferior but fit and fresh subs would be of more use on the pitch than half of a technically superior outfield who are so tired they're just passengers.

[@tooncrier]

Spot on with the summary there Craig. There are strong signs of life in the team now, this break will do them the power of good. Sick and tired of the Twitter/X idiots in our fanbase, onwards and upwards!

[@LanceStorm9]

It's a no brainer to sack Eddie Howe

[@robbeck7846]

Flat midfield 3 getting played through all game. Well in fact most games. Address that and we will have some hope of turning things around. The rest is just waffle and talk. Lads tried their best. But we are way off the top 6 or 7 teams in this league.

[@juliogeordio7358]

Why does Eddie bother having subs on the bench . He doesn’t even use them , you have to use what you’ve got , no matter who they are

[@ainsworld]

Why did he resign them

[@juliogeordio7358]

@@ainsworldspot on . Can you imagine how the subs feel , he’s basically saying your crap . Can’t be good for team morale

[@chubbygallasso]

If it wasn't for horrendous injuries Newcastle weren't losing that game and probably win it . 2-1 ahead at 65-70 mins and the option to bring on Wilson, Barnes, Willock, and Murphy to just name a few.

[@anon-zk6iz]

Excuses

[@alexdewar6855]

Should have brought livramento on 2nd half for burn. Well done lads great goals. 👍

[@gmackuk]

Hi Craig , Hearing that we have no Friends for loans ! Surely now that we’ve played City and Kalvin Philips was on the Bench ..City would now benefit 100% by loaning him to us now … Why ? Wages would be paid and most of all he would strengthen Newcastle against all their rivals who we have to play … Villa, Spurs, and Arsenal !!

[@LanceStorm9]

Phillips is a Championship player. I'd rather have Vurnon Anita or Moussa Sissoko back than him

[@twoolio]

Fully agree, watching the game its obvious, we have no options to change anything, seasons a right off for me, been very unlucky at key points in the season to add insult to the injuries, even the fact that we get to play man city when de bruyne comes back, I'd just start playing younguns now, give players a break

[@antd6993]

The first goal Walker had acres of space to make the cross and De Bruyne had soo much space to make crosses and passes😮we gave it a good craic but the substitutions said it all😢

[@audreyhall8644]

Next pre match can you ask why Eddie didnt put a man on KDB,and that it was as obvious as a blind man to do so.

[@LanceStorm9]

Wow, Sean Longstaff is absolutely atrocious

[@mark.lawrence]

craig... respectfully, the blue print of this season is that we try & defend a one goal lead by defending on the six yard line... post match the manager says "... i thought we had done enough to get something from the game..." this is not an elite level mindset... we are plenty good enough to turn 2-1 into 3, 4, & 5 etc. etc. did you see us beat spurs 6-1? attack is the best form of defence... our season is over all bar the FA Cup because of a stubborn resolve to TRY & DEFEND A ONE GOAL LEAD...

[@LanceStorm9]

Eddie Howe is the next Steve Cooper

[@andrewnixon4206]

Lots of reasons why we lost. But lose we did and whatever the reasons our form is seriously worrying. The last thing the group needed was another massive physical effort unrewarded in the most heartbreaking way from a confidence perspective.

[@wafiwahab4472]

3mins and not putting lascelles or kraft on. that’s my question

[@jayaychare7318]

Our injuries have left us with an almost pointless bench 😭. Imagine having a de bruyne to bring off the bench 🤲

[@midlandgeordie]

It is notable their substitutes made a difference. De Byrne is a fantastic player,but he was given too much space as Newcastle were exhausted. Maybe Newcastle could have substituted a few more ,just to defend. Regardless a big improvement on previous weeks in the premier league. Trippiers man got goalside,basic fullback error.

[@BaronSpamedi]

Kinda true, but I'm prepared to cut Trippier some slack because generally he played quite well (and a lot better than some of his recent performances) and Bobb's run and control was very good, and De Bruyne's pass was genuinely perfect.

[@j.j.911]

Spot on once again.

[@RichardOliver-s7d]

For me there's no anger with this one. And I doubt whether many proper fans are actually that angry - despite what's on social media. However, what is really worrying is the lack of imagination and inventiveness within the coaching team. Religiously sticking to one style of play only - a sort of pastiche of Liverpool from 5 years ago - will be their undoing. And I don't want that. I want them to succeed. Last night when the energy of the front three dropped, that was when Howe had to get creative. Stick Lascelles up front as an outlet - he would have won headers and been physical. It would have got the crowd back into it again. Bring Hall and Ritchie on and play 5 in midfield - with Hall the one with license to join any knock downs or flick ons from Lascelles . But no. Stick to the same tactics with knackered players. Come on Eddie! Get clever with the personnel.

[@dbulman2]

Fully behind eddie, deserves chance to get players back and turns things around. But why when isak was shattered was lewis hall not brought in as an extra midfielder. 3 minutes if injury time and dont make a sub , krafth or lascelles to stop citys rhythm. Its crazy, playere are being run into the ground. Pep brings on a 20 year old who gets winner but we apparently have to get players up to our style of play for months before play.

[@anon-zk6iz]

Because Pep's class and the other one is not. It's that simple.

[@jonnymars8084]

If our injured players were on the bench we'd not have lost as many late games. Pretty sure thats fsctual. As press would be renewed when they come on.

[@Marais-cu3vo]

I don't think the fans are shocked or angry that we lost to Man City. The problem is that we keep losing exactly the same way game after game. And I don't want to hear about the injuries because we were like this in August when we lost to City, Liverpool and Brighton.

[@michaelrobinson7143]

We know we are short in squad depth and the injuries are killing us but the performances are 100%. My only gripe is Eddie is unwillingness to utilise his bench.

[@JakeD98]

Yep and he should’ve instructed Bruno to sit deeper when KDB came on and the front 3 started to tire

[@plamen-vt]

Yeah, I don't see any reason why he wouldn't play an energetic young player like Parkinson in the last 10-15 mins of the match. Isak and Gordon both looked knackered in the end. Why bother having people on the bench that he had no intention to play even when there's a need for fresh legs. Anyway, keep marching on Howe's Toon Army, we're still strong behind him

[@tomruddell9099]

It’s a joke, he’s paralysed and hasn’t a clue what to do. Every week. He’s being found out so badly it’s unreal

[@manakara9821]

I think that Eddie's shallowness has now shown through. We now see why he has his assistant whispering in his ear the whole game. He can't make simple decisions, he ran out of ideas towards the end of last season. The depth of skill was again apparent, we can't just rely on luck.

[@Jettplayzgames]

What bench? You think Ritchie or Dummett could’ve improved our situation in the last 20-30 minutes?

[@shaundasheepmurphy1589]

People need to get a grip, the difference between this year and last year are the players sat on the bench to bring on to keep the game intense, we just havent got them as they are injured, no rotation and it is showing, as you said we cannot change the front 3 players so we will get punished and pressured, Eddie Howe is doing a good job, the fans and players love him, we need some players back asap!

[@Ericcartman8126]

I didn't expect a point, certainly no disgrace losing to that city team. I want to thank the toon for the elation I felt when Gordon scored and we turned it round to a winning position from a possible hammering. Just hope we spend wisely in january and bolster this squad going forward. It'll come, but top 4 out of reach I fear and may not be a bad thing this season. Keep the faith ...

[@donmongoose]

I'm not angry we lost today, I'm more frustrated that had we shown that level of play we saw in the first half more often against lower level teams we should have beaten, we could be 9-12 points better off than we currently are.

[@annamalais2870]

Ifs and buts and what nots

[@donmongoose]

@@annamalais2870 True. But better than a lot of comments here blaming our signing strategy, as if the directors have crystal balls predicting future injuries. My point was, even weakened, the squads got the same potential that got us 4th last season, it's a shame it was missing in "easier" fixtures.

[@fredjames9867]

That is howe . It's no different when he managed Bournemouth. .get use to it .

[@LanceStorm9]

​@@fredjames9867Howe out

[@craigarkle1077]

As soon as I saw the bench I feared the worst. To change the momentum and energy of games you sub attackers and midfielders and another game where there was no options to do that.

[@davidjohncook5767]

I have no issue with Eddie or any player from yesterday. Pep has the luxury of not bring back injured players until they are ready. We don't resulting at times in recurring injuries and tiredness of the ones being used every week. My concern with their wining goal was the time their player had to make the pass, not Trippier's marking. Once again ran out of steam.

[@CCkhT21o681]

Don't understand why Howe didn't replace Trippier with Kraft when his legs were gone ytd....If Howe doesn't trust his bench, why did he give them contract extensions? If I was in the first team, I would feel pissed that the bench is paid to do nothing.

[@pat9859]

Couldn’t ask any more from the lads

[@johnglaister5851]

Fair appraisal Craig. Our weak bench has been the problem for months.

[@anon-zk6iz]

and the manager, the physio, the medical team and the psychologist

[@boemher15]

And why cant Isak last more than 60 min before looking like he is running on empty? Has he ever been fit and running for a full 90 min in a Newcastle shirt?