Eddie Howe Admits “Horrible Feeling” As Newcastle Struggle With Consistency After Derby Defeat

Eddie Howe has laid bare the emotional toll of Newcastle United’s unpredictable form, admitting it is a “horrible feeling” not knowing what kind of performance his team will deliver.

The Magpies’ damaging 1–0 Tyne-Wear derby defeat to Sunderland on Sunday has undone much of the optimism built from a recent four-game unbeaten run and a statement victory over Manchester City in November.

Instead of momentum, Newcastle were left searching for answers.

Derby Defeat Exposes Deeper Issues

At the Stadium of Light, Howe opted for a compact and cautious approach rather than his side’s usual boldness. The result was a limp display that failed to match the intensity of the occasion — something that clearly troubled the Newcastle boss.

Newcastle now sit 12th in the Premier League, having won just one away league game since mid-April, a statistic that underlines their ongoing struggles on the road.

Speaking on Tuesday, Howe did not hide his frustration.

“It’s a horrible feeling, because when you enter a game you want your players to go on to the pitch and give absolutely everything they have within their soul and their body to get a positive result,” Howe said.

A Question Of Mentality

For Howe, the issue is no longer just tactical — it is psychological.

He stressed that effort and commitment are non-negotiable, yet admitted there have been matches this season where he left unsure if those standards were met.

“There have been a few times this season where I’ve left a game unsure on that, and that’s mentality. That’s knowing you’re representing yourself and your families when you enter the pitch.

“Your job is to do your best, and I think we have lost a little bit of that, and it’s up to us to try and find a way to get that glue back.”

It is a rare but telling admission from a manager known for demanding intensity and unity.

A Familiar Pattern Newcastle Must Break

Using the pain of away defeats as fuel for bounce-back performances has become an unwanted pattern this season, following losses to Brentford, West Ham, and Marseille.

Howe made it clear this is not how he wants his team to operate.

Yet once again, Newcastle must respond quickly, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Fulham at St James’ Park looming on Wednesday.

Bruno Guimarães Speaks — And Howe Responds

Captain Bruno Guimarães described the Sunderland performance as a “mess” and admitted the team cannot truly put things right until the next derby in March.

Howe partially agreed but was keen to clarify.

“We weren’t a mess – we were very well organised. We just didn’t deliver the performance that we wanted to.

“Bruno is very emotional and that’s part of his success. That’s why he’s such an outstanding player for us and leader for us.”

The Newcastle boss emphasized the importance of managing messaging externally while keeping focus internally.

“The mindset now is we can’t affect the past – we can only affect the future. We need to do that today.”

Injury Blow Adds To The Challenge

As if inconsistency was not enough, Newcastle will be without Dan Burn for four to six weeks after the defender broke a rib and punctured a lung during the derby.

Burn’s absence further stretches an already thin backline and adds pressure ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.

A Defining Moment For Howe’s Newcastle

The Carabao Cup clash with Fulham now represents more than just a route to silverware — it is a test of character.

For Eddie Howe, restoring belief, intensity, and identity may define Newcastle’s season from this point on.

One thing is clear: the Magpies cannot afford many more nights where even their manager does not know what he is going to get.

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