Eddie Howe makes 'costly' admission after Newcastle United's draw v Nottingham Forest - this is shocking
Newcastle United have dropped 27 points from winning positions in the Premier League.
Newcastle United again failed to hold onto a lead as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest.
Substitute Harvey Barnes looked to have won it for the Magpies when he scored in the 74th minute but Elliot Anderson equalised with two minutes of normal time remaining.
Eddie Howe’s side stayed 13th in the Premier League table and can no longer mathematically finish inside the top seven with two matches left to play.
Eddie Howe reacts to Newcastle United’s draw at Nottingham Forest
“Yeah, disappointing,” Howe said. “I think much better in the second half, I thought we were playing really well, but we had enough chances to grow our lead.
“Another late goal that cost us points, hugely frustrating for us. Probably the first time in the game where we back off a little bit and defend deeper, and then we don't deal with the situation well enough around the box.
“If that was just once in isolation, I don't think it would hurt as much, but I think the fact that we've done that all season, and it's cost our season really in the Premier League, it's hugely frustrating.”
Newcastle United have dropped 27 points from winning positions
The Magpies have now dropped a staggering 27 points from winning positions.
Howe said: “It's a difficult one for me to answer, because I can talk a good game and give you all the things that we've worked on, but the reality is we haven't delivered that well enough under pressure, so it's still something we've got more work to do with.
“We've done a lot of defensive work in recent weeks, I think we have looked better for that work, I think we've seen an improvement in our general defending.
“And then, as I said, one moment today where we make probably a couple of individual errors, and it costs us. So, rather than give you the answers, I'd say we've got more work to do.”
Howe’s side host West Ham United at St James’ Park next Sunday before ending the season away to Fulham.