How Eddie Howe described Newcastle United's defeat at Man City after 'pathetic' Alan Shearer claim
Eddie Howe has reacted to Newcastle United’s 4-0 defeat away to Manchester City.
Eddie Howe admits it was “painful” watching Newcastle United’s heavy defeat to Manchester City.
The Magpies lost 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium with three of the goals coming in the first-half. Omar Marmoush netted a hat-trick before substitute James McAtee added a fourth in the closing stages.
Reflecting on his side’s performance, Howe told reporters: “Yeah, we're disappointed, very disappointed with our general performance today. I expected us to be really competitive today. I don't think we, just starting off the ball, in terms of trying to deliver a really competitive, energetic performance, it wasn't there.
“Then the duels, we were off on our duels, so then it becomes very difficult because they're still the best team in the Premier League, maybe the world still for me, in the build-up phase. With the ball, I think they're still a very, very difficult team to play against.
“They then can keep the ball for long periods of time, so it can become a difficult mix if you don't get that first part right, and we didn't today, and sadly that led to a disappointing performance.”
Alan Shearer described the Magpies’ first-half display as “pathetic”. Meanwhile, Howe said it was “painful” to watch.
Howe added: “It was painful to watch from the sidelines. We were a yard off where we needed to be. We seemed to be reactive. We allowed their good technical players too much space.
“Now, they do have outstanding players and, as I said, they're still, for me, I know a lot's been made of their run, but still, for me, with the ball, they're the best team in the Premier League.
“We've had some difficult games here, but we weren't competitive enough. We weren't in their face enough. When you come up 50-50 against any direct opponent, we were losing too many of those battles. Ultimately, those things cost you matches.”
The defeat saw United slip to 7th in the Premier League ahead of hosting Nottingham Forest at St James’ Park next week.