Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe accepted full responsibility after his side squandered another lead in a 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.
Consequently, the Magpies have plummeted to 14th in the table. William Osula opened the scoring for the visitors with a hooked finish before half-time.
However, Jean-Philippe Mateta equalised in the 80th minute. The Palace substitute then converted a stoppage-time penalty to seal the turnaround.
Eddie Howe took full responsibility for the collapse during his post-match assessment. “I always have to look at myself first,” the Newcastle manager admitted. “I’m number one accountable,” he added with visible frustration.
Howe suggested the final result was “harsh” on his players. “The defeat is harsh on us because we controlled the majority of the first half,” he explained.
Eddie Howe claims responsibility for Newcastle collapse at Crystal Palace
He believed Newcastle remained in “total control” with 60 minutes gone. However, the manager lamented the “really poor” defensive work for the late winner.
Newcastle have now dropped 25 points from winning positions this season. Howe noted that these incredible numbers have “blighted” their entire campaign. “There’s no way we should have lost that game,” he insisted.
He further clarified that retreating into a defensive shell is not a tactical instruction. Howe also defended his decision to start Osula over his expensive strike force.
“I don’t pick the team based on transfer fees,” the coach stated firmly. He maintained that Osula deserved the opportunity after training well recently. Nevertheless, the pressure is mounting as Newcastle struggle to find consistency.
The squad are currently miles behind the standard set by reigning champions Liverpool. Newcastle must now regroup before hosting Bournemouth this Saturday.
Howe knows his players must navigate defensive aspects better to save their season. This result leaves the Tyneside club searching for urgent answers during the run-in.
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