Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, applauds the fans following the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield on January 31, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)placeholder image
Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, applauds the fans following the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield on January 31, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Eddie Howe issues blunt Newcastle United transfer update after 4-1 Liverpool defeat.
Eddie Howe left both Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa on the bench and deployed Anthony Gordon as the central striker. It was a bold move that paid for 40 minutes as Gordon opened the scoring.
But the Magpies’ game plan unravelled from then on. Hugo Ekitike scored a quick-fire brace to give the Reds a 2-1 lead at half-time before Florian Wirtz put the game out of reach in the 66th minute.
Howe introduced Woltemade and Wissa in the 73rd minute but couldn’t find any kind of response as Ibrahima Konate added a fourth in stoppage time.
Eddie Howe reflects on Newcastle United’s 4-1 defeat to Liverpool
Reflecting on the defeat, Howe said: “I think we played really well. In that opening passage of the game, really dominant, strong, territory was really good.
“We didn't create a host of chances in that period, but I think you could say we were a better team and deservedly scored. Imploded? I don't know if that's the right word. We didn't defend well enough, definitely, for the two goals.
“The first goal, I could go through both and pick them apart. You've got to give Ekitike a lot of credit for the second one. It's still a tough angle to score from, but that's what happens here.
“If you get the crowd in the game, and we did. Before you knew it, we were chasing the game.
Newcastle remain without a win at Anfield since 1994.
Howe added: “It's a tough place to play. It's a tough place to get on top, and that's the frustrating thing, because we did. We had quiet in the crowd.
“We had done so much right in that opening half. Then to go in at half-time, 2-1 down, was a difficult thing for the players because they'd given so much. They'd done a lot right, and suddenly, as I say, we're chasing the game.
“Then we do the same in the second half. We start the second half really well, really strong, with a dominant team. Then we're 3-1 down, so it's a day I think we'll look back on with regret, because we didn't defend the goals well enough, that's obvious.
“That's what's cost us the game.”
Eddie Howe’s blunt Newcastle United transfer admission
Newcastle travel to Manchester City on Wednesday as they look to overturn a 2-0 deficit to progress into the final of the Carabao Cup.
But before that, it’s transfer deadline day on Monday but hopes of the Magpies making a signing were quashed by Howe in the media room at Anfield.
Asked if there will be any new incomings, Howe replied: “No.”
He did, however, confirmed that Jamaal Lascelles could be leaving the club. Lascelles isn’t currently training with Newcastle as he builds his fitness in preparation for a potential move.
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