Newcastle United endured a bruising defeat against Arsenal as two late goals from set-pieces condemned Eddie Howe’s side to disappointment at home, with the Englishman admitting an inquest is needed following his side's loss at St James' Park.
Despite taking the lead through Nick Woltemade’s header, the Magpies were unable to hold on and left the game with nothing after a promising performance.
Reflecting on the performance, Howe admitted his team fell short of their best against strong opposition.
After the game he revealed: ""I thought we tried. We gave everything to the game. It was really physical. I don't think we were at our best today being honest. Arsenal played very well.
Eddie Howe is focused on working internally after Arsenal loss
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"We had our chances in the game and we took the lead and we were desperate to try and hang on to that lead. Nick [Pope] made some good saves for us but it wasn't to be and we conceded set-pieces at the end so disappointing.
"Early on in the game we didn't look our best physically. We looked jaded. We took the lead and sometimes you will have days, especially with the schedule we have this season, where you are not physically at your best and you have to find a way to win and we weren't able to do that.
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"Martin Odegaard made a difference for them, he started to penetrate our lines more. We defended the set-pieces pretty well until the end.
"To a degree, there is a player change for us but we can't use that as an excuse. We have to win with the players we have. It was great to have Nick [Woltemade] score and we did have other chances in the game."
Promising an inquest, he then added: "We have to take accountability for that and do better.
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Eddie Howe was devastated on the sidelines after a good game for Newcastle
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"Nick and Yoane [Wissa] are totally different players and we are never going to find another Alex [Isak] but we can find a way to be effective with them in the team. Great to see Nick get two goals so early in his Newcastle career."
Woltemade, who marked his goal with a commanding header, echoed his manager’s frustration. "If you get two real late goals, it don't feel good if you're 90 minutes 1-0 in front.
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"Yeah, just doesn't feel good… Sometimes we have to take more situations where we can breathe, where we also play with the ball and get some situations where we can get out of pressure."
While his personal contribution was a bright spot, Woltemade also voiced annoyance at an off-the-ball clash with Gabriel, saying: "After the goal there was a situation I felt his elbow in my face… He said sorry after, so I think he knew he hit me in my face. I didn't solve the situation to be honest."
Nick Woltemade's goal was not enough for Eddie Howe's side
|REUTERS
Newcastle will now look to bounce back before they go into the second matchweek of the Champions League group stage against Union Saint-Gilloise on Wednesday.