Eddie Howe now shares what he though was the turning point in Newcastle’s defeat to AC Milan

Add as preferred source on Google

Eddie Howe has revealed what he thought was the big turning point in Newcastle United’s defeat to AC Milan in the Champions League last night.

Newcastle were absolutely devastated to be knocked out of the competition after going ahead in the first half and giving their all for the full 90 minutes despite being shattered in the last two games.

Speaking after the game, Howe revealed that he thought Milan’s first goal was a big turning point in the match and swung the momentum in favour of the Italians.

Howe says Milan’s first goal was hugely disappointing

Newcastle had absolutely dominated the first half, Milan could hardly get out of their own half and it just all looked too easy and too simple for the Magpies at times.

That swiftly changed after half-time as Milan looked to attack more and were able to break quickly with Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic on the wings to drag their team forwards and create quality chances.

From Newcastle’s perspective, there was some poor defending for their first goal and there have been some suggestions amongst fans that Nick Pope, who is out with an injury, would have saved the low driven effort.

It’s all if’s, but’s and maybe’s of course, but Howe felt that the goal completely changed the trajectory of the game and ultimately caused Newcastle to collapse at the final hurdle.

After the game, Howe told the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope: “I’m desperately disappointed and it’s tough to take at the moment. We were good value in the first half and wanted to consolidate that in the second half. I’m really disappointed with the first goal. That’s the key moment.”

Newcastle now focus on their domestic competitions

With the Champions League now out of the question, Newcastle can shift their attention to the three English competitions that they can still fight for.

The Magpies will visit Stamford Bridge next Tuesday in the Carabao Cup quarter-final and a win would put them within touching distance of a second successive trip to Wembley in February.

Before that, though, Howe and his team will return to St James’ Park to take on Fulham who are coming off the back of two 5-0 victories. Confidence will be high with the Cottagers but Newcastle will be desperate to turn their form around.

It’s yet another huge week in the world of Newcastle United and the games just keep on coming thick and fast, so hopefully results start to pick up too.