Eddie Howe got it embarrassingly wrong as Newcastle United lost 1-0 to Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby.
The Newcastle United manager made a couple of big selection calls at the Stadium of Light. Lewis Miley got the nod over Joelinton, while Anthony Elanga was given the chance to finally announce himself as a Toon player.
It was a chance he wasted, with the £55million man putting in yet another shocking performance for his new club.
The decision to pick Elanga was strange, and it did not pay off. However, it was not Eddie Howe’s biggest mistake during Newcastle’s defeat to Sunderland.
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Eddie Howe’s decision to sit back against Sunderland was catastrophic
Newcastle United’s biggest mistake against Sunderland was not the starting XI, it was the mentality.
Eddie Howe set his side up to defend at the Stadium of Light. The idea seemed to be to soak up the pressure and hit Sunderland on the break with the pace of Elanga and Anthony Gordon.
It was an extremely negative approach. While Howe was right to try and take the sting out of the game and nullify the crowd, he did it in completely the wrong way.
Given the quality they possess in midfield, Newcastle should have been aiming to dominate the ball and dictate proceedings. Instead, they allowed Sunderland to gain control and confidence.
It was a rare tactical misstep from Howe at the worst possible time.
How has the loss to Sunderland made you feel about Eddie Howe as Newcastle United manager?
Newcastle United were forced to change their approach against Sunderland
Howe’s decision to play deep and frustrate Sunderland was only going to work as long as his side did not concede themselves. That happened in the first minute of the second half, with Nick Woltemade scoring an own goal.
That moment allowed Sunderland to sit deeper themselves and protect their lead, forcing Newcastle United to come out.
They were dominating the ball like they should have tried to do in the first half, yet showed absolutely no creativity. The fact they only had two shots on target says it all.
Alan Shearer said Newcastle were ‘awful’ against Sunderland, bemoaning their offensive efforts. Using the word ‘efforts’ feels over the top, as the Magpies were embarrassing in their attempt to draw level.
They got what they deserved for a disgraceful showing in the Tyne-Wear derby.
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