'Good intentions' - Eddie Howe defends Newcastle United star after Sunderland defeat
Nick Woltemade scored an own goal as Newcastle United lost 1-0 to Sunderland.
Nick Woltemade had an afternoon to forget as Newcastle United lost 1-0 to Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby.
The German has scored seven goals for the Magpies since joining from Stuttgart for a club-record £69million. He found the net for an eighth time against the Black Cats, though this time it was at the wrong end.
Following a goalless first half, Woltemade gave Sunderland the lead immediately after half-time when he bizarrely headed home Nordi Mukiele’s delivery.
Eddie Howe reflects on Nick Woltemade’s bizarre own goal v Sunderland
It capped off what was already a tough afternoon for the 23-year-old, who barely touched before being brought off for Yoane Wissa in 75th minute.
Reacting to Woltemade’s own goal, Howe said: “Yeah, I don't think he'll... I hope he won't take that personally. That's one of those things that can happen in a game.
“He's come back with good intentions, he's defended his place for as long as he's been here and that's just an unfortunate moment. I don't hold him in any way responsible.”
Newcastle United’s attacking struggles v Sunderland
Although Woltemade will grab the unwanted headlines for his own goal, it was am afternoon where none of United’s attackers came away with any credit.
Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon started the game but were hooked on the hour-mark for Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy. Despite seeing most of the ball, United could manage just two shots on target.
Howe said: “I thought we defended pretty well today. Through the games, again, there were really few chances for both teams. Unfortunately, one big moment goes against us.
“And it was, yeah, it was a bizarre moment really to use the game with, but it happened and we weren't good enough to open them up.
“The first 60 minutes, we didn't pose a threat at all. I don't think the openings were there. I think there was one or two moments with a better decision or a better pass that could have led to more, but our quality was not there in that phase of the game.
“We tried to be very honest at all times, tried to be honest with you guys and hold our hands up and say that wasn't going to happen.#
“Then when we made the changes, the substitutes came on, I thought they made a difference and a positive impact on our performance, but we didn't work their goalkeeper anywhere near well enough, we didn't sustain pressure well enough and ultimately, then we couldn't force the openings that we needed.”