Eddie Howe gives verdict on first Man City goal during Newcastle defeat

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Eddie Howe has now shared whether or not he thought Manchester City’s opening goal against Newcastle United should have stood.

Newcastle fought hard to take the lead against City having gone behind in the first half, but the visitor’s first goal was shrouded in controversy with Anthony Gordon having gone down in the build up.

In his interview with NUFCTV, Howe claimed that Bernardo Silva’s opening goal shouldn’t have stood because of the ‘clear foul’ on Gordon and that it left his side frustrated.

Howe says Gordon was fouled in build up to Man City’s opener

The goal itself, put into the net by Bernardo Silva, was actually a brilliantly worked goal with a world class finish from one of the best teams in the world, but it was what happened in the build-up play which left Howe frustrated.

Gordon was looking to run at Man City’s defence who had stepped up high into Newcastle’s half but he was brought down on the side line right in front of Howe by Ruben Dias.

The St James’ Park crowd were obviously not too happy with Dias’ tackle on the winger, but they were even more angered when they realised that not even a foul had been given for the incident by the referee.

From that, Man City were able to bring the ball back up the pitch and work it back into Newcastle’s box with a cross from Kyle Walker down the right which was expertly turned home by Silva.

In the interview, Howe said: “I thought so, I mean I had a really good view of it and it looks like Dias just takes his running line, forces him off the pitch. For me it’s a clear foul, the referee didn’t give it and that’s frustration.”

Newcastle and Howe need to be more ruthless in games

It’s understandable to be frustrated with a goal which should not have stood, but ultimately Newcastle were in the lead despite Silva’s effort and everything was in the hands of the Magpies from that point on.

IN the end it came down to poor defending from Newcastle and brilliant individual quality from Man City which lost the Magpies the game, not necessarily the refereeing decisions.

Of course having things go against you doesn’t help and if the Silva goal was ruled out then it’s a different game altogether, but Newcastle had chances to put the game to bed with Alexander Isak who possible could have had three in the first hour.

Howe himself also needs to learn to be more ruthless and be able to use players on the bench to get some fresh legs into the side, otherwise there wasn’t much point in keeping them in the team.