Eddie Howe had little interest in discussing Newcastle United’s lack of control against Burnley.
While Newcastle United were not brilliant against the Clarets, they did end up fighting their way to an important victory.
Indeed, Newcastle beat Burnley 3-1 at Turf Moor to claim only their second away win of the Premier League season to date.
Who was your MOTM against Burnley?!
Feel free to name your worst player too 😂
It certainly wasn’t a vintage display from Howe’s side but they do deserve credit for overcoming a difficult spell.
The scoreline really doesn’t tell the whole story, however.
After Yoane Wissa scored his side’s second goal of the game after only six minutes, Newcastle were under the cosh until second half stoppage time.
Eddie Howe doesn’t want to talk about Newcastle United’s lack of control
Still, credit where credit is due. Newcastle have played better than that this season and they have lost.
What was concerning, however, was how easily they ceded control against a Clarets side struggling against relegation.
Howe’s side looked far too open at times and Sandro Tonali – usually so brilliant – did not cover himself in glory.
In truth, Newcastle did not play well against Burnley, largely because they were played through too easily.
If you could voice one concern to Eddie Howe about Newcastle United right now, what would it be?
Yes, I know we won, but let's not pretend that was great 😂
When speaking to Newcastle United’s official media channel after the game, Howe admitted his team lost control in the middle of the park.
The interviewer followed up, asking why that was the case, and the Newcastle United manager said: “I don’t really want to focus too much on it, to be honest.
“We’ve won the game, I want to be positive. We can play better, of course we can.
“You know, we’ve been rightly criticised for poor results. When we win a game, I’d rather just talk about the good stuff, if we can.”
Newcastle United’s chaotic season continues
It remains hard to judge this Newcastle team.
Before a ball was kicked this season, a win away at Turf Moor wouldn’t be celebrated.
Given the context of the campaign thus far, however, perhaps a small glass can be raised.
Newcastle rarely stay consistent throughout a whole game and while they didn’t here, they did learn to win ugly.
A better team than Burnley would surely have punished Newcastle for their sloppy play but, at the end of the day, Howe’s side at least got the job done.
Not every question has been answered but the inquest stops for at least another game.
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