Eddie Howe would have ‘hated’ Newcastle United’s second-half display yesterday as it goes against everything he is about.
That was the verdict of BT Sport pundit Steve Sidwell after full-time, as the Magpies left Brighton with a point.
Newcastle found themselves 1-0 down after Ciaran Clark had fouled Leandro Trossard in the penalty area.
The Belgian converted the spot-kick, and it looked like the evening was going to get messy.
But Newcastle stuck at it and did find an equaliser through Isaac Hayden of all people.
The holding midfield popped up in the box to volley in Clark’s header back across the box.
Newcastle might have stolen three points when Callum Wilson raced through on goal.
But the striker was clipped by goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who received a red card.
In truth, Newcastle didn’t deserve to win, and ex-Seagulls midfielder Sidwell felt that Howe, watching on alongside Amanda Staveley at the Amex Stadium, would not have liked what he saw.
He said in the BT studio after the game: “Eddie Howe would’ve hated watching that second-half in terms of the formation. It goes against everything he is about – 4-4-2, 4-4-1-1, press high.
“The goal that they got that gets them back into it, and the resilience and character they showed, he’ll love that in abundance.
“But the formation and the tactics, because he’s a forward-thinking coach, full-backs high and wide, wingers pressing from the front, strikers pressing. Everything they’ve done here in terms of 5-4-1 and defending deep, it goes against everything [he’s about].”
Given Howe’s presence at the Amex, it is thought an announcement from the club is now imminent.
It follows a turbulent week for the club, with many fans anticipating Unai Emery would succeed Steve Bruce.
But the Spaniard rejected the club in what was a rather embarrassing, and very public, episode.
Howe has a huge job on
It is going to be very interesting to watch Howe try and impose his style on this group of players, who have, for so long, been playing in a very conservative and unimaginative way.
Sidwell is probably right. Howe will not have particularly enjoyed what he saw, given what he is all about.
The man has a very big job on his hands.
It is going to be tough for him, and some very tough fixtures lie in wait of course.
But he is a talented coach, and deserves the full, unconditional backing of the supporters.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
