Eddie Howe admitted Newcastle United were once again punished by familiar failings after a damaging 3-2 home defeat to Brentford at St James’ Park. The Magpies let a promising position slip, surrendering a first-half lead and conceding a late winner despite briefly restoring parity.
The result continues a worrying trend for Newcastle, who have struggled to manage games effectively this season, an issue already evident in recent fixtures analysed by SoftFootball, including their growing defensive concerns ahead of tough league tests.
The loss also underlined the psychological fragility that has crept into Newcastle’s campaign. Match data shows they have now dropped points in over 40 per cent of games in which they have scored first this term, a statistic that reflects a deeper problem rather than isolated errors.
That pattern has become increasingly costly, especially with momentum already dented following setbacks such as their recent cup disappointment, which SoftFootball highlighted in its breakdown of Newcastle’s defeat to Manchester City.
Speaking after the match in a video shared by the club’s official X account, Howe was visibly frustrated by how the contest unfolded. He felt Newcastle were in control after taking the lead and had chances to build a decisive advantage.
He said:
Yeah, tough game. Really disappointed with the result. I think when we took the lead and we go 1-0 up, you’re thinking this could be a really good day for us and just what we need.
He pointed to missed opportunities that could have changed the tone of the match, adding:
And there was a few moments there where we could have possibly gone 2-0 ahead and then it might have been a different game.
Instead, Newcastle lost grip before the break.
Howe admitted:
But we let the game get away from us. We conceded two poor goals around half time and that swung the game.
Asked why Newcastle repeatedly fail to capitalise on early goals, Howe acknowledged the issue has become systemic.
He explained:
It’s been a consistent theme for us this year. We’ve chucked away so many points from winning positions.
He stressed that the tactical plan does not change after scoring, but the mindset does:
But psychologically, I think there was a difference. There was a change from us. And that induced the two goals we conceded. And it’s a head-scratcher for us. It’s happened too many times for it to be a one-off and something we’ve got to work on.
Late in the game, Newcastle appeared to regain control after drawing level, only to be undone again. Howe felt his side were on the front foot at that moment.
He said:
Yeah, it was a big blow. I think in that moment, we’re the aggressors, we’re the team that looks like it could go on and win the game.
Watch the video below:
Defensive lapses proved decisive once more.
He said:
We switch off momentarily and we get caught with a goal that we should never concede.
Howe concluded, warning that conceding at an alarming rate is severely damaging their ability to collect points and must be addressed urgently.
