Newcastle lose to West Ham: Eddie Howe says ‘I could have almost kept anyone out’

Howe had seen enough long ago when Botman turned Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross into his own net before half-time.

The Newcastle manager sent off Emil Krafth, Nick Weltemade and Gordon in the first half, but could have used all five substitutions allowed there and then.

“I could almost take down anyone,” he said. “It was a reflection of where we were at that moment in the game and it’s very rare for me to feel that way. I don’t think I’ve felt that way since I was Newcastle manager.

“I felt the team needed some change at half-time. That’s why I did what I did.”

However, it did not have the desired effect. Newcastle did not achieve any wins in the last eight away matches in the league.

Newcastle traveled to some test grounds in that time, but Howe’s side have now failed to beat Aston Villa (twice), Brighton (twice), Bournemouth, Arsenal, Leeds United and West Ham.

For context, only Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Wolves have earned fewer points than Newcastle (three) on the road this season.

No wonder Howe shared some “sincere” words with his players after the match.

But the head coach was wary of overreacting, instead hoping this loss would finally prove a turning point down the road.

A similar defeat in London certainly happened almost a year ago when Newcastle were beaten by Brentford.

A result that left Newcastle languishing in the bottom half of the table, where they now find themselves again.

Newcastle went on to win seven straight games in all competitions, including impressive away victories over Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United.

And they will certainly need to bring that spirit back when they return to Gtech Community Stadium next week.

“People say look in the mirror but we go home and reflect,” Murphy told Sky Sports. “This is the moment when you really need to stay calm.

“Let’s not overreact. We know we have to get things right.”