Eddie Howe spoke out after Newcastle United’s rough run continued with a narrow 1-0 loss to Arsenal, making it nine defeats in their last twelve Premier League games.

No team has lost more matches or let in more goals than Newcastle in 2026. This latest result, a fifth straight defeat in all competitions, adds to that miserable tally.

Right now, Newcastle are stuck in 14th, eight points clear of the drop with only four games left, and eight points away from sixth and a possible shot at European football. If we’re being honest, neither relegation nor a miracle climb up the table is likely, but mathematically, there’s still a chance.

Still, despite everything working against his team, Howe tried to zero in on the good stuff after the loss in North London.

Arsenal owed their win to Eberechi Eze’s early goal, but Howe saw reasons to be encouraged. He pointed to the team’s fight, saying, “I thought it was much better from us as a group of men." We stood up to Arsenal physically, which hasn’t always been the case lately.”

He sounded almost relieved: “We were more solid off the ball, the defending was better, and we looked much more like ourselves. Defending our goal has been a clear weakness, but today we improved. Sure, we still conceded and lost, and that’s what people remember most. However, I saw positive signs; maybe we’re finally regaining some of the defensive mentality we’ve been missing. We’ll need it for the run-in.”

Howe also mentioned the team’s work in possession, especially with Bruno Guimaraes back in midfield: “We looked braver on the ball and controlled our build-up more. We created a few chances.”

But he didn’t sugarcoat the big picture: “Overall, I’m much happier with that performance, but I can’t ignore the fact we keep losing.”

Newcastle actually started brightly; William Osula got in on goal right at the start, thanks to a pass from Joe Willock, but lost his footing at the crucial moment. Later, Yoane Wissa fired over after good work from Nick Woltemade.

Howe said, “We had our moments, just not as many as you’d want. From Osula’s run in the first few seconds to Wissa’s late chance, Dan Burn’s back-post header, and Tonali’s shot that Raya saved well, there were opportunities.”

He admitted it was tough to score more against an Arsenal defence that’s been so reliable: “You never come here expecting loads of chances, but we had enough to feel we were in the game.”

With so many players learning to play together, Howe felt the team’s unfamiliarity showed at times. “It wasn’t perfect, but I can’t fault the players’ effort. I’ve been plenty critical in recent weeks, but this was better. In the end, it still wasn’t enough, but at least there’s something positive to build on.”

Newcastle United want to bring Julian Brandt to St James’ Park, and that’s got Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta worried since he’s been pushing hard to sign Brandt for the Emirates. According to reports from Germany, Newcastle’s interest is real and growing.

Back in March, TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey said Arsenal are eyeing a summer 2026 deal for Brandt, who’s set to leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season. Berta hopes to land the German international as a free agent, and sources close to the situation say Arsenal are getting ready to make a formal offer for Brandt, who’s racked up 57 goals and 69 assists in 303 games across all competitions for Dortmund.

At 29, Brandt is playing some of his best football. He can slot in as an attacking midfielder or out wide on the left, which fits nicely with what Arsenal need.

But Newcastle aren’t the only club chasing him. Aston Villa are in the mix too, and according to Fussball Daten, both Villa and Arsenal are prepping aggressive offers for Brandt’s creativity. Serie A’s Inter Milan want him, and LaLiga sides Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are keeping tabs as well. Even FC Cincinnati, out in Major League Soccer, has supposedly shown interest.

So, where does Brandt stand? Newcastle’s had a tough season, and they won’t be playing in Europe in 2026/27, while Arsenal could still win both the Premier League and Champions League this year. It looks like Arsenal have the upper hand, but Brandt hasn’t decided where he’ll go next.

Speaking to Sky Germany earlier this month, Brandt said, “Let yourself be surprised. There are many ideas. Not every idea is good, but there are many ideas. In principle, I’m not ruling anything out. But there are things I prefer, and there are things I currently find harder to imagine. As I said, there are one or two ideas, but everything in due course.”

For now, though, he’s focused on finishing the season with Dortmund. According to Brandt, “You don’t have to rush things. We’re approaching the end of the season, but we still have important games ahead. It wouldn’t be fair to the club to start holding talks everywhere. You have to finish things properly, and then you have plenty of time to think about what’s next. I’m not worried about it at all.”