The major error that cost Eddie Howe victory in his first match as Newcastle United manager

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On 20th November 2021, Eddie Howe took charge of his first game as Newcastle United manager in very strange circumstances.

It was the dawning of a new era at St James’ Park. Following the PIF takeover and the sacking of Steve Bruce, a new manager had been appointed to save the Magpies’ season.

Newcastle United hired Eddie Howe, but there was immediately a problem following his arrival. The Toon boss was struck down with COVID on the eve of his first game, meaning he would not be in attendance.

Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones took charge of the side instead, as they oversaw a six-goal thriller. Allan Saint-Maximin’s 75th minute equaliser made it 3-3, but it could have been a very different afternoon if the starting XI had looked slightly different.

Eddie Howe picked the wrong goalkeeper for his first Newcastle United game

The big surprise when Eddie Howe’s first starting XI as Newcastle United manager was announced was Karl Darlow starting in goal. That was despite Martin Dubravka being available.

While the Slovakian had been out of action with injury, he was passed fit to play against the Bees. Alas, he was named on the bench as Howe put his faith in Darlow.

That proved to be a mistake, with the now Wales international very much at fault for Brentford’s first goal of the afternoon.

After Jamaal Lascelles headed Newcastle in front, Brentford immediately hit back through former Toon striker Ivan Toney. He fired a powerful effort into the net, but it was a shot that Darlow should have saved. Instead, all he could do was parry it into the corner.

The game changed from that moment, with Brentford going on to lead 2-1 and then 3-2 before Saint-Maximin saved the day.

Eddie Howe did not make the same mistake again in Newcastle United’s next game

One week later, Howe was healthy enough to patrol the touchline for the first time as Toon boss. He was there at the Emirates as his team were beaten 2-0 by Arsenal.

Having witnessed Darlow’s mistake against Brentford, Howe opted to change his goalkeeper for the trip to North London. Dubravka was back in the starting XI, and he remained there for the rest of the season.

As for Darlow, he would only make one more Toon appearance. That came in the Carabao Cup second round against Tranmere Rovers in August 2022.

He was then loaned out to Hull City, before joining Leeds United permanently. That has allowed Darlow to return to the Premier League, where he is playing alongside Newcastle United academy graduate Sean Longstaff.