Newcastle United have fallen to yet another away defeat, with Eddie Howe to blame for the 3-1 loss at Brentford.
Newcastle United beat Athletic Club in midweek, but winning at St James’ Park didn’t answer any of the away-day questions.
The Magpies have been dire on the road and lost 3-1 at West Ham United in a torrid performance last weekend.
This may have been a new week, but it was the exact same outcome as Newcastle fell to a 3-1 defeat in London once again.
Harvey Barnes’ first-half opener put Newcastle ahead, before the Magpies collapsed in another 3-1 loss.
Brentford v Newcastle United - Premier League
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Eddie Howe only has himself to blame in Newcastle United defeat
Newcastle fans cannot keep watching shocking away performances, only to see the same players embrace the home crowd and win games at St James’ Park.
This Jekyll and Hyde trend cannot continue, but Newcastle boss Eddie Howe deserves huge criticism for this latest defeat.
Howe has worked wonders for Newcastle, but he got it wrong at Brentford.
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Dan Burn – already playing out of position at left-back – was walking a tightrope on a yellow card.
Burn was rather lucky to escape giving away a penalty on Dango Ouattara, as the Brentford man was booked for diving.
Contact was made in that instance, and Burn wasn’t quite so lucky the second time around.
Burn again brought down Ouattara and gave away a penalty, as well as picking up a second yellow card.
Igor Thiago stepped up to score, but Howe’s refusal to substitute Burn in favour of Lewis Hall was baffling.
Howe had been given a clear warning, and he had a natural left-back at his disposal, ready to come in place of Burn.
Howe did nothing and his inaction was duly punished as Burn was given his marching orders and Newcastle slumped to defeat.
Most Newcastle fans could see it coming as Burn was having problems with Ouattara, but Howe did nothing – and that moment proved crucial as Brentford went on to win.
Eddie Howe will be under pressure if he can’t solve Newcastle United problems
Howe has done so much for Newcastle, from two Champions League campaigns to winning a trophy.
This season has been a real mixed bag, though, and Howe cannot seem to solve the issues in front of him.
Newcastle turn up in home games, especially in the Champions League and Carabao Cup.
Away Premier League games have been truly dire, and last weekend’s loss at West Ham United appeared to be the low point.
Newcastle managed to lurch even lower this weekend, repeating many of the same problems from a week ago.
Every Newcastle fan will appreciate Howe’s work, but if this torrid away form continues, he will naturally come under increasing pressure.