Eddie Howe holds onto a positive stance on the start of the season for Newcastle United as his players prepare to go up against Benfica.
The Toon are 14th in the Premier League after their third defeat of the domestic campaign, a 2-1 loss to **Brighton**at the Amex Stadium. They have also drawn 0-0 three times against Aston Villa, Bournemouth, and Leeds United, failing to win any of their four away fixtures in the league.
Newcastle also were beaten 2-1 by **Barcelona**on the opening matchday of the Champions League at St. James’ Park. However, in almost all of these performances, their quality in the first two-thirds and defensive discipline have been impressive. Howe is sure that results can come sooner rather than later.
“There is an onus and a responsibility in all the attacking players to contribute. But, sometimes the problem doesn't always exist with sort of what you're directly looking at. There can be another reason.
“So it's giving everyone accountability in the team me included to try and find a solution.
“Last year was a particularly slow start in terms of our performances. I don't think we had more points maybe than we deserved last year. I think it's flipped around this year. I think we had less points than we deserve.
“That is equally as painful as the other way because the other way you're sort of doubting the long-term ability of the team even though you're picking up points. whereas I think part of my job at the moment is because we're playing strongly in the games is to back the team.
*“I think we'll come good and we will be able to put a run of wins together which is what we need in the Premier League. The Champions League we’re so early in the format, but we can't wait too long before trying to hit that winning run.”*