Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has taken responsibility for another away defeat, a 3–1 loss to Brentford, which means they have not won on the road in nine matches.
Harvey Barnes put the Magpies ahead with his 50th league goal, but Kevin Schade equalised after goalkeeper Nick Pope failed to deal with a long throw. Dan Burn was then dismissed for conceding a penalty on Dango Ouattara, which Igor Thiago converted before adding a stoppage-time second.
“It’s very disappointing,” said Howe. “We got into a good position and didn’t capitalise. One mistake led to their goal and we didn’t react well enough. It’s not good enough and I take full responsibility.”
Despite Newcastle taking the lead, their attacking threat fizzled after Barnes’ goal. Record signing Nick Woltemade, who had played a key role in the opener, found himself increasingly isolated as other forwards struggled to step up, highlighting a wider issue in the team’s transition play.
Newcastle, 14th and two points above the drop zone, have not won away in the league since April and have scored more than once only once in that run. “It’s hard to see what the difference is,” Barnes admitted. “There shouldn’t be – but there is.”
Defensive lapses have compounded their woes. Errors from Sven Botman and Pope allowed Brentford repeated chances, echoing last season’s 4–2 defeat at the same venue. Howe acknowledged these mistakes, noting the team must address both mentality and execution to change the pattern.
Brentford boss Keith Andrews praised his team’s “relentlessness,” noting they outran and outfought their opponents – traits once typical of Howe’s Newcastle.
“We take full accountability,” Howe added. “The season was always going to be a bit choppy, but there are no excuses.”
For a side that once thrived on the road, the contrast could hardly be sharper. Fixing their travel sickness has become Howe’s most urgent task.
