Howe must finally drop 5/10 Newcastle star who had fewer touches than Pope.
Newcastle United’s three-match winning run in all competitions came to an end when West Ham United handed them a reality check at St. James’ Park in the Premier League.
The 2-0 scoreline was largely deserved by the revived Hammers, who did benefit from the home side’s profligacy. Julen Lopetegui has shouldered some weighty pressure in recent weeks and a Magpies victory could have been damning for the Spanish tactician.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe-1
Alas, Newcastle sit in tenth but remain just four points off Arsenal in the top four, with top-flight fixtures against Crystal Palace and Liverpool now forthcoming.
However, the missed chance to go within two points of second-placed Manchester City will rankle some. Optimism and anticipation spread like the fever on Tyneside, but prove to be equally noxious when such belief fails to be matched on the field.
Heading into the fixture, Dan Burn was sidelined after accumulating five yellow cards. His hulking presence was sorely missed.
Newcastle struggle without Dan Burn
Burn has been an utter stalwart for Howe’s Newcastle, signed as he was from Brighton & Hove Albion for a £13m fee back in January 2022.
Dan Burn and Eddie Howe for Newcastle
One of the harbingers of the exciting new era, and frustrating in his absence on Monday evening, for the stability and steel that the 32-year-old brings has been indispensable for Howe’s side this season, especially as Sven Botman continues to work toward the end of his rehabilitation.
This season, the 6 foot 6 giant had played every Premier League minute before his suspension, completing 90% of his passes, winning 60% of his duels and averaging 4.4 clearances per game, as per Sofascore.
