EDDIE HOWE SENDS STERN MESSAGE AFTER NEWCASTLE’S FLAT DISPLAY AT BRIGHTON
Eddie Howe made a brutal double substitution at halftime, hooking Joelinton and Anthony Elanga after a poor first-half display in Newcastle's 2-1 loss at Brighton.
On the South Coast, both Joelinton and Anthony Elanga appeared unwell, and Eddie Howe brutally double-changed them at Amex Stadium.
After a shaky start to the game, Howe has mentioned a "shake-up" at halftime and seems happier with his players' reaction. Since the first tactics did not work out, the head coach had been pacing the technical area for the whole of the opening session.
Due to Newcastle's slow start in several areas of the pitch, the £95 million worth of talent was removed and replaced with new players. In his post-match media obligations following the game, Howe was forthright in his judgement, albeit in his customary calm manner.
Howe was eager to get new legs on, and the players were informed at the half that it had been far from good enough. "We are tremendously dissatisfied with the first-half performance," the United manager stated.
"It was difficult to see the last 30 minutes as we faded. We did not play well for thirty minutes in the first half, in my opinion.
"We had a strong start to the first half and appeared to be in a terrific position at first, but we then faltered. We ended up spending a lot of time in transition because we were careless with the ball during that first period. Since I was not pleased with the first half, I believe it was necessary to try to invigorate the team and bring fresh vitality to the pitch.
Despite the 2-1 loss, it is believed that Howe did not read the riot act to his players after the game, despite his harsh statements at halftime. Given the short turnaround before the Benfica match, Howe will hold off on making any more assessments. The normally cool-headed boss would rather wait for the dust to settle before speaking.
Even though he was disappointed with the result, Howe was much delighted with the performance after the interval. "We were a lot more like ourselves and much better in the second half, and we are really unhappy to lose in the end," he remarked.
"With the adjustments we made in the second half, we performed a lot better and more like ourselves, in my opinion."
It will be crucial for Newcastle to recover quickly to play Benfica on Tuesday night. Before Monday's full training, the players will undergo a recuperation session.
MID-APRIL RETURN: THE DEVASTATING IMPACT OF BRUNO GUIMARãES’ RARE HAMSTRING INJURY BLOW
Bruno Guimaraes is out for two months! Read the full update on Newcastle's midfield crisis and the captain's return timeline.
Bruno Guimaraes’ injury has hit Newcastle United hard. The team’s captain just got back from an ankle problem for only his second start in five games, and then, against Tottenham, he limped off in stoppage time after helping the Magpies pull off a 2-1 win in North London.
After the match, Eddie Howe didn’t hide his concern. “He’s worried,” Howe admitted. “He’s never had hamstring trouble before, so he doesn’t know if it’s just cramp or something worse. Honestly, it feels more like an injury, but we’ll have to wait.”
Bruno sounded hopeful on Instagram: “Very happy with the win! This is what we should be doing. Proud of the team’s character. I just hope it’s not serious, and I’m back soon.”
But the news got worse. By Friday, with the FA Cup game at Aston Villa looming, Howe gave an update: “We’re still waiting for the full picture with Bruno’s hamstring. I don’t think he had any issues before, but late in the game, he was obviously tired. If we’d had a full bench, maybe we would have pulled him out earlier, but we didn’t have that option. We ran out of midfielders, so he stayed on, and then he got hurt.”
Now, ESPN Brazil reports Newcastle will be without their captain for at least two months. That’s a big blow; Bruno won’t be back before mid-April. Newcastle have never won a Premier League game without him since he joined in January 2022, so it’s not just any absence. He’ll also miss Brazil’s matches against France and Croatia. Word is, he’s heading home to get treatment from Rodrigo Lasmar, the Brazil team doctor.
All this leaves Newcastle short in midfield. With Bruno out, only Sandro Tonali, Jacob Ramsey, and Joe Willock are fit. Joelinton and Lewis Miley have missed recent games, but Howe is hopeful. “With Lewy, we’re taking it day by day. He’s got a dead leg, a knock to the thigh, and some muscle damage, but we don’t think it’s long-term. Hopefully, he’s back soon.”
“Joelinton’s doing well, too. He won’t make this game, but he’s not far off. He’s desperate to be involved, and that’s a good sign. He’s feeling positive.”
So, Newcastle face some tough weeks ahead. They’ll need some luck and their missing midfielders back if they’re going to keep their season alive.
EMOTIONAL RETURN: JACOB RAMSEY HEADS TO VILLA PARK AFTER FIRST NEWCASTLE GOAL
Jacob Ramsey returns to Villa Park: Analyse Eddie Howe’s comments on the midfielder's first Newcastle goal and the FA Cup showdown.
Eddie Howe is hoping Jacob Ramsey’s winning goal against Tottenham could be a key moment for the midfielder as he gets ready to play at Villa Park for the first time since leaving the club where he grew up.
Ramsey moved from Aston Villa to Newcastle United this summer for an initial £39 million, plus some extra payments.
The 24-year-old finalised his move to Newcastle a day after Villa and Newcastle tied 0-0 in the Premier League's opening game.
Back in January, Ramsey came off the bench for Howe in Newcastle’s 2-0 home loss to Villa. He might start this Saturday against his old team.
After a rough start with Newcastle due to injuries, Ramsey is starting to get comfortable. On Tuesday, he scored his first goal for the club, which won them the game against Spurs.
Howe spoke about Ramsey’s time at Newcastle so far, saying, “It’s easy to forget how hard it is for any player to leave a club they've been with for so long.
“Then, you have to quickly feel like you belong with your new team. That happens faster for some than others.
“I’m not saying that’s what happened with Jacob, because I don’t know exactly how he felt.
“But those first few weeks and games in a new team can be tough, especially if they play a bit differently than you’re used to.
“He had a lot to learn. But he’s handled it very professionally.
“He’s been great to work with. He's worked hard and been a really good presence around the training ground.
“I think he’s fitting in well with his teammates. He’s made good friends and seems happy.
“But there’s nothing like making a real contribution and helping your team win. That’s the best way to feel like part of the Newcastle family.
“I’m hoping that’ll be a big boost for him.”