What was evident about Eddie Howe during Newcastle’s defeat to Brighton

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Newcastle United were architects of their own downfall against Brighton on Saturday.

Though the Seagulls certainly improved after the break in their Premier League victory at St James’ Park, few would doubt Newcastle shot themselves in the foot on Tyneside.

Eddie Howe’s side largely dominated the opening period but lacked any kind of bite in the final third, failing to convert a number of presentable chances during the game.

Alan Shearer was pretty scathing in his assessment of Newcastle’s finishing, while Howe will reportedly seek an immediate inquest into exactly what is going on with his forwards.

While there were suggestions Newcastle should have had a penalty in the first-half, they have only themselves to blame for the defeat.

The fact they couldn’t finish was compounded by their conceding of a sloppy goal through Danny Welbeck, who scored against the run of play.

What was visible about Eddie Howe at Newcastle against Brighton

Such were the sheer number of mistakes from a Newcastle perspective that allowed Welbeck to score, Howe was said to have been visibly fuming.

One simple ball up top allowed Welbeck in, with three Newcastle defenders failing to act on the danger before he slotted past Nick Pope.

According to The Times, Howe was “stung” by every aspect of the Brighton goal and there was an “evident” rage on his face as he paced across his technical area.

Newcastle cannot feel sorry for themselves

The penalty claim was speculative at best, with former Premier League referee Mike Dean playing down any suggestion Newcastle were hard done by.

Poor finishing and lazy defending simply will be punished in the Premier League, particularly against a team as good as Brighton.

Fail to improve against Chelsea on Sunday and things could get much worse. Howe has every right to be fuming but work must be done.