Eddie Howe refuses to point fingers at Newcastle United players after slump at Chelsea

While many fans took aim at the Newcastle players for their poor performances, Eddie Howe was in no mood to do the same. (File/AFP)
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Updated 12 March 2024
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Eddie Howe refuses to point fingers at Newcastle United players after slump at Chelsea

  • Howe concedes individual errors but says team is responsible
  • Concern now that Magpies not improving despite big spending

LONDON: Eddie Howe is refusing to point fingers at his Newcastle United players after their latest error-strewn Premier League show at Chelsea.

Mistakes from Sven Botman, Dan Burn and Sean Longstaff littered another poor away-day show as the Magpies were well-beaten in West London, despite the narrow scoreline.

Nicolas Jackson gave the home side an early lead against the run of play before Alexander Isak’s 16th goal of the season silenced the Stamford Bridge crowd. After the break, however, Chelsea took total control, running away with this crucial battle for the Premier League European slots, with Cole Palmer and Mykhailo Mudryk netting to seal all three points. Jacob Murphy scored a late consolation for Howe’s men.

While many fans took aim at the Newcastle players for their poor performances, Howe was in no mood to do the same, preferring to talk of collective failure on the night.

“Things went wrong with the goals we conceded for sure,” Howe admitted. “We’re really disappointed with the first one because we had started the game really well and Chelsea penned in but with the first attack they have we almost gift them the goal.

“The three goals we conceded today were as poor as we’ve conceded for a while. We can’t come away from home and play well, which we did, and concede those goals and expect to get anything from the game. It’s cost us the match.”

He added: “I won’t go into detail about the mistakes we made and who made them, that’s not for me to do, I’ll never act that way. It’s always a collective thing but we did make some individual mistakes which have harmed us.”

Results this weekend saw Newcastle drop to 10th in the Premier League table. Their hopes of securing a second successive Champions League spot — which may be in the top five this year — look to have faded, while even the Europa League and Conference League slots are proving tough to catch up with in current form.

After finishing 11th in Howe’s first season, and consistently being one of the world’s biggest net spenders in three of the four transfer windows since, many are questioning whether progress has stalled.

On the topic, Howe, whose side take on Manchester City at the Etihad in the sixth round of the FA Cup on Saturday evening, said: “There is no doubting the ability of the players we have, you could see today we’ve got some very good players highlighted by the two goals we scored and some of our general play especially in the first half was very, very good. We looked in a really good rhythm and confident but we killed ourselves tonight with the goals we conceded. That, in a sense, can dent confidence and harm you in the manner in which we did today.

“In the Premier League we have to keep going and commit to every game and give our best to try and win every single match, and that’s what we’ll try to do. Our priority is the FA Cup, that is going to be a big challenge for us. We have to forget about the Premier League for a while and commit to this game we’ve had on the horizon. And then we have a break and then once we come back we have to give the Premier League everything.”

Injuries have blighted the Magpies’ season, and just as things started to improve in that department, yet more players look set to be sidelined.

Dan Burn picked up a knock and was withdrawn, but the most concerning issue was with Anthony Gordon, who looked to have suffered a knee injury.

“He’s in a bit of pain, it’s unclear what the injury is. We’re not sure what the diagnosis is with Anthony, he’s got a knee problem. It’s just a pain he felt come on so there was no moment or incident that it happened, it was just gradual,” said Howe.

“He’s in a bit of pain so we fear it’s not looking too good but it’s very early days. That was obviously a huge moment in the game to lose him as well because he’s been so good for us this year and so consistent in his performances so it’s another psychological blow.

“It’s unclear what the injury is which can always add a more negative feeling because we want clarity. Hopefully, we can give him that in the next couple of days and we can get him seen to. Of course, he’ll be disappointed to go off.”

A bright point, on an otherwise difficult night, was the performance of Tino Livramento, in for the injured Kieran Trippier. The youngster was a constant thorn in the hosts’ side, and put in one of his best shows in front of watching England boss Gareth Southgate.

Howe said: “A very good performance from Tino. I thought he was a real attacking threat in that first half, he gave us some good moments — combinations with Miggy (Miguel Almiron) and Sean (Sean Longstaff) on that side of the pitch.

“Maybe a little quieter at the beginning of the second half so we moved him sides and I thought he came alive again on the left so showed his versatility and athleticism through the match. He can be pleased.

“He’s growing into his position. He’s certainly got the love of the supporters which is a huge thing at this football club. I think they see what he brings to the team so I think he’s had a really good start.”


Inter Milan scores twice in final minutes to beat Urawa in Club World Cup, 2-1

Updated 22 June 2025
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Inter Milan scores twice in final minutes to beat Urawa in Club World Cup, 2-1

  • Inter Milan takes over the top spot in Group E after following up their tournament-opening draw with the victory

SEATTLE: Valentin Carboni scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time to give Inter Milan a 2-1 win over Urawa in the Club World Cup on Saturday, ending the Japan club’s chances of advancing past the group stage.
Inter Milan failed to score until the 78th minute, despite holding the vast majority of possession. Lautaro Martinez brilliantly bicycle kicked Nicolo Barella’s corner ball into the net.
Carboni’s game-winner assisted by Francesco Esposito came 14 minutes later. It was the culmination of multiple scoring threats by Inter, which had 21 more shot attempts than the Red Diamonds.
Urawa opened the scoring in the 11th minute to the delight of their exuberant fans, who have shown up in droves for these Seattle cup matches. Ryoma Watanabe scored on an assist in transition by Takuro Kaneko, who found Watanabe all alone on the penalty spot with his cutback ball.
The fans in red filled the south end of Lumen Field and made up a large swath of the 25,090 attendees. Their coordinated chants and jeers didn’t wane until after the final whistle.
Key moment
Urawa had a chance to equalize in the last minute of stoppage time, but goalkeeper Yann Sommer tipped the long-distance free kick over the crossbar.
Takeaways
Inter Milan takes over the top spot in Group E after following up their tournament-opening draw with the victory. The Italian club will play River Plate of Argentina on Wednesday.
Urawa will be playing for pride against CF Monterrey on Wednesday.
What they said
“I cannot find the words, I am so frustrated. ... We had the objective to go on to the next stage, so this loss is very hard for us. But we still have one more game to go. ... There are many fans who have come all the way or (are) still remaining in Japan and cheering for us, so we would like to win for them.” — Urawa Red Diamonds goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa
“I was speaking to (Carboni) the day before yesterday, and he told me that it was eight months exactly since his cruciate ligament injury. Coming through an injury like that, with all of the hard work and graft he’s had to put in ... you don’t know whether you’re going to come back to the peak of your powers. That’s not easy at all, so it was lovely to see him so emotional. I was a little bit emotional as well. It brought a tear to my eye because he’s a kid that I know very well. I’m delighted that he has the opportunity now to experience something as significant as that (goal).”


Bellingham strikes as Dortmund sink Sundowns in Club World Cup thriller

Updated 21 June 2025
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Bellingham strikes as Dortmund sink Sundowns in Club World Cup thriller

  • Sundowns of South Africa took a surprise early lead but Dortmund hit back strongly
  • “It’s a really nice bonus (to score), I’m glad we won,” Bellingham told DAZN

CINCINNATI, USA: Jobe Bellingham netted his first Borussia Dortmund goal in a gripping 4-3 win over Mamelodi Sundowns at the Club World Cup on Saturday.

The English midfielder, who this month followed older brother Jude’s footsteps in joining the German side, started for the first time for Dortmund.

Sundowns of South Africa took a surprise early lead but Dortmund hit back strongly to triumph in sweltering conditions in Cincinnati at the TQL Stadium and move top of Group F.

“It’s a really nice bonus (to score), I’m glad we won but there’s a lot of things for me to improve on personally and for the team,” Bellingham told DAZN.

Dortmund coach Niko Kovac had claimed teams from the “south” had an advantage because of the heat, and the Sundowns 11th minute opener appeared to confirm his fears.

Lucas Ribeiro’s fine solo goal put the CAF Champions League runners-up ahead, with the Brazilian charging forward from his own half before beating Gregor Kobel.

However Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams handed Dortmund their equalizer on a plate, passing the ball straight to Felix Nmecha, who stroked home.

Both stoppers made good saves in an end-to-end clash before Dortmund claimed the lead through striker Serhou Guirassy.

Dortmund won the ball high up the pitch and Julian Brandt crossed for the Guinea international to score with a fine leap and header, continuing his fine form this season.

Bellingham, who joined earlier in June from Sunderland for 33 million euros ($37 million), netted Dortmund’s third just before the break.

Williams parried a cross into his path and after controlling on his chest, Bellingham drilled home.

“I’ve practiced that so many times, arriving late on the edge of the box as a midfielder is something you have to be really good at,” said Bellingham.

“As a kid and at Sunderland I’ve practiced that so many times, during training, after training, so I’m really proud of it.”

His brother Jude signed for Dortmund five years ago, before joining Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2023.


“Hey Jobe,” sang Dortmund fans, adapting the Beatles classic “Hey Jude” which they used to sing to Jude Bellingham.

“I didn’t hear that but it’s really nice,” said the Dortmund midfielder.

Dortmund were toothless in their opening draw against Fluminense but grabbed their fourth when Kuliso Mudau turned into his own net as he tried to cut out a cross.

Three minutes later Iqraam Rayners pulled one back as the Sundowns, who have won the last eight South African league titles, refused to give up.

Rayners, who netted Sundowns’ winner in the first match against Ulsan HD, hit the post with a header and reacted quickly to nod home the rebound.

Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso’s side pulled back another through Lebo Mothiba in the 90th minute, forcing Dortmund to sweat through six minutes of stoppage time before they were able to celebrate their victory.

“The result is not what we wanted but we made a wonderful game,” Cardoso told DAZN.

“It’s important people understand what was at stake in this match. (Considering) the level of team that we played against, we worked fantastically.

“The boys made a wonderful performance... it was a hell of a match. I’m not happy but very proud.”

Later Saturday in the other Group F clash Fluminense take on Ulsan at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.


Nottingham Forest boss Nuno signs new three-year contract

Updated 21 June 2025
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Nottingham Forest boss Nuno signs new three-year contract

  • The 51-year-old led Forest to a seventh-place finish in the Premier League last season
  • A late slump in form saw them settle for a place in the Europa Conference League

LONDON: Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo was rewarded for guiding his side into Europe by signing a new three-year contract on Saturday.

The 51-year-old led Forest to a seventh-place finish in the Premier League last season, securing European qualification for the first time since the 1995/96 season.

After battling relegation for much of their first two campaigns back in the Premier League after a 23-year absence, Forest were on course to qualify for the Champions League last season.

A late slump in form saw them settle for a place in the Europa Conference League instead and included a flashpoint when owner Evangelos Marinakis confronted Nuno on the pitch after a 2-2 draw against relegated Leicester.

Former Manchester United captain and leading pundit Gary Neville said the Portuguese coach should have resigned in protest at that incident.

However, the former Wolves and Tottenham boss has committed his future to the City Ground and thanked Marinakis for his support since he was appointed in December 2023.

“I am delighted to be able to continue our journey at this fantastic football club,” Nuno said in a club statement.

“Since we arrived at Forest, we have worked extremely hard to create a special bond between the players, the fans and everyone at the club, which helped us achieve great things last season.

“I would like to thank our owner, Mr.Marinakis, for his constant support and backing. It is important to me to share a strong relationship with our ownership and we have thoroughly enjoyed working together ever since I arrived at Forest.”

Marinakis paid tribute to the impact made by Nuno and reiterated his desire for the two-time European champions to be contenders for major trophies once more.

“We enjoy a strong and solid relationship together,” said the Greek shipping magnate.

“Above all, we share the same dream and ambition of writing a new history for Nottingham Forest, competing in the Premier League and in Europe and winning trophies for our great club.”


Ill Mbappe out of second Real Madrid Club World Cup clash

Updated 21 June 2025
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Ill Mbappe out of second Real Madrid Club World Cup clash

  • The French superstar was taken to hospital on Thursday for tests and treatment
  • Mbappe is improving “bit by bit” said the club source

FLORIDA: Ill Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe will not travel to Charlotte for the team’s Club World Cup match against Pachuca, a club source told AFP Saturday.

The French superstar was taken to hospital on Thursday for tests and treatment after suffering gastroenteritis, before later being released.

Mbappe is improving “bit by bit” said the club source, but he will not fly with his team-mates for Sunday’s match against Mexican side Pachuca.

The 26-year-old missed the opening game with the same illness as Madrid were held 1-1 by Al-Hilal in Xabi Alonso’s debut as coach.

Madrid B-team player Gonzalo Garcia, 21, started in Mbappe’s stead and opened the scoring for Real Madrid against their Saudi Arabian opponents.

Mbappe finished as the European Golden Shoe winner in his first season at Real Madrid with 31 goals in La Liga and 43 across all competitions, but Los Blancos finished the season without a major trophy.


ES Tunis claim 1-0 win, eliminating LAFC from Club World Cup

Updated 21 June 2025
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ES Tunis claim 1-0 win, eliminating LAFC from Club World Cup

  • The victory takes ES Tunis (1-1-0, 3 points) level with Chelsea in Group D
  • The winner of ES Tunis’ meeting with Chelsea on Tuesday in Philadelphia will move on to the knockout phase

LOS ANGELES: Youcef Belaïli scored in the 70th minute, goalkeeper Ben Said saved a penalty deep in second-half stoppage time and Esperance Sportive de Tunis defeated Los Angeles FC 1-0 to keep their FIFA Club World Cup hopes alive in a dramatic contest Friday in Nashville, Tennessee

The victory takes ES Tunis (1-1-0, 3 points) level with Chelsea in Group D, after the English side lost 3-1 to Brazil’s Flamengo earlier on Friday.

Referee Espen Eskas awarded a very late spot kick following a video review, ruling Khalil Guenichi had felled Marlon in the area.

But Denis Bouanga drove his ensuing penalty kick into the dive of Ben Said, the final salvo in a result that eliminated LAFC (0-2-0, 0 points) from tournament contention.

The winner of ES Tunis’ meeting with Chelsea on Tuesday in Philadelphia will move on to the knockout phase, with Chelsea advancing on a draw based on superior goal differential.

The Tunisians also had an earlier penalty decision go against them 20 minutes before Belailis opener, when the Algerian attacker believed he had earned a spot kick after driving past Bouanga on the dribble.

But Eskas was summoned to the monitor, and after consulting replays, ruled Bouanga wasn’t guilty of a foul, and booked Belaili for simulation.

That failed to halt the match momentum for Tunis, however, who were superior for most of the encounter and didn’t allow LAFC to record a shot on target until second-half stoppage time.

They were eventually rewarded when Amine Ben Hamida made a marauding run from the left flank near the midfield stripe into the penalty area.

He was halted by an LAFC defender’s challenge. But Belaili was first to the loose ball, and he drove his finish low and hard through LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

It appeared LAFC’s fading tournament hopes would be given a lifeline after Eskas’ second pivotal penalty decision, with the Gabon international Bouanga stepping forward.

But Said dove to his left, and with Bouanga’s placement very poor, the Tunisian ‘keeper kicked the ball wide of danger with his trailing leg.