Eddie Howe under intense pressure after Newcastle capitulate against Crystal Palace as he comes out fighting

Callum Vurley
Sun, 12 Apr 2026 21:14:16 +0000

Eddie Howe finds himself under intensifying scrutiny following Newcastle United's 2-1 reverse at Selhurst Park on Sunday evening, their third successive defeat which has seen the Magpies tumble to 14th in the Premier League standings.

The loss, coming after setbacks against Barcelona and Sunderland, prompted audible discontent from travelling supporters.

"I understand there's anger and frustration," Howe conceded afterwards. "I'm not blind to anything."

The Newcastle manager accepted full responsibility for his side's predicament, stating: "I always have to look at myself first. I always say that. I'm number one accountable."

Jean-Philippe Mateta's brace in the closing stages completed Palace's comeback.

Howe's team selection raised eyebrows as he opted to start William Osula ahead of summer signings Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, whose combined transfer fees total £124 million.

The Danish forward initially vindicated his manager's faith by finding the net in the first half.

"I don't pick the team based on transfer fees," Howe explained. "I pick the team based on what I see."

He praised Osula's contribution, noting the striker had trained impressively and possessed the physical qualities and determination required.

The expensive duo were only introduced during the dying stages, by which point Newcastle had already surrendered their attacking rhythm and the match had slipped away.

The statistics paint a damning picture of Newcastle's campaign. The Magpies have surrendered an extraordinary 25 points from winning positions this season, a tally exceeding every other top-flight club.

"Those numbers are incredible really," Howe admitted. "It has blighted our season."

Had Newcastle managed to retain even half of those squandered points, they would currently occupy a Champions League qualification spot alongside Manchester United and Aston Villa.

Howe insisted his tactical instructions do not encourage defensive retreats when leading, yet acknowledged the pattern has persisted throughout the campaign.

"If you are going to defend, you have to defend better than we did," he said.

Newcastle's fixture list offers little respite for their beleaguered manager. Bournemouth visit St James' Park next weekend before a daunting trip to league leaders Arsenal, followed by encounters with Brighton, Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Fulham.

Despite mounting external pressure to overhaul his approach, Howe urged patience with his methods.

BOOM! Jean-Philippe Mateta levels for Crystal Palace! 🦅 pic.twitter.com/txTXfPjucj
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 12, 2026

"A couple of games ago we beat Chelsea away and beat Manchester United and you sit here off the back of a disappointing run and the outside noise is to change everything," he reflected.

"Sometimes you have got to believe in what you do but, of course, we have to execute it better."