'Disappointing': Eddie Howe doesn't hold back when recalling Wednesday's horror show

It can be easier to get blood from a stone than to get any kind of emotional response out of Eddie Howe in a press conference, but the Newcastle United boss was clearly still reeling from Wednesday's performance.

Newcastle were second-best in every area of the pitch on Wednesday against Crystal Palace, in fact, if the referee hadn't messed up that penalty decision they could well have been third-best.

Many journalists and pundits have called it Newcastle's worst performance of 2024, it's got to be up there with the worst of the season. In truth, the scoreline flattered them.

We clearly aren't over it yet, and neither is Eddie Howe by the sounds of it.

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Eddie Howe says he doesn't like to talk to his players via the media

Speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow's clash with Sheffield United, Howe was asked about Wednesday's showing again and he hinted that he gave the players both barrels after the game (via The Chronicle).

"We were disappointing. We hold our hands up to it. It could have been similar to Fulham where we maybe didn't start particularly well but could have ground out a result on a different day. But we missed those resilient qualities we need. That's been the case away from home and it's something we need to reflect on.

"I just try to be honest. I don't try to speak to my players through the media. You can't hide what is a poor performance. I prefer to call it what it is. Likewise, I'll give credit when it's due. The players don't need me to tell them that was a poor performance."

Tomorrow is a must-win game for the Magpies

While it's hardly Mikel Arteta's tearful tantrum or Jurgen Klopp storming out of the room, that was a pretty damning statement by the reserved Howe.

We know that behind closed doors he's not as easy-going as his media persona suggests and we expect that the team knew in no uncertain terms how unhappy he was on Wednesday.

The Magpies have the chance to put it right tomorrow with another big win over Sheffield United but to be honest, we'd just be happy with three points to keep up with Manchester United.