Howe reflects on another ‘hard knock’ as winless run continues

Howe reflects on another ‘hard knock’ as winless run continues

by Emily Smith
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Eddie Howe has expressed his disappointment as his Newcastle side continued their winless start to the season against Norwich.

The Magpies went into Tuesday evening’s match in dire need of a win against their fellow strugglers at the bottom of the Premier League.

Newcastle remain bottom of the table after the draw and are now winless in their opening 14 matches, picking up seven points in the process.

Early losers: Newcastle CBs, failing to keep farts in trousers

Defender Ciaran Clark was sent off inside the first ten minutes of the match for pulling back Teemu Pukki as the Finnish striker ran through on goal.

“We had a mountain to climb so early in the game. We started brightly 11 v 11. The sending-off has a huge bearing on the match,” Toon head coach Howe said.

“Full credit to the players for how they responded. There were some great individual performances.

“I’m so disappointed for everyone connected with the club we couldn’t get over the line.”

The former Bournemouth boss hailed his players’ defensive work whilst down to ten men.

He added: “Defensive resilience [was the best thing]. 11 v 10 for 80 minutes. We defended really well. Norwich made it difficult for us but our midfield coped.

“If we deliver the mentality we showed with 10 men v 11 on a regular basis, we’ll win games. No doubt about that.

“The players have had some hard knocks this season and another one tonight with the red card.

“We just have to dust ourselves down, reflect on tonight and then go to Burnley.”

Earlier this week, Howe admitted it would be “foolish” for him to promise Newcastle fans that they will buy their way to Premier League safety in January.

Asked if he had been assured of backing in the winter transfer window, he replied: “I can’t make any promises on that, but I can promise that the people above me, the owners, will support the team and support me in trying to achieve what we need. That’s all I can say at this time.

“It would be foolish of me to make rash promises or statements. My priority at the moment is to get the best out of the players we have.”

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