Eddie Howe reflects on Newcastle 1 Arsenal 2… | OneFootball

Eddie Howe has been reflecting on Newcastle 1 Arsenal 2.

United taking the lead via a smart corner kick routine.

Tonali and Gordon combining, with then the Italian international crossing for Nick Woltemade to score with a commanding header.

A match full of incident and one where it looked like United’s committed defending was going to see out the win.

Only for two late Arsenal goals…

Eddie Howe talking after Newcastle 1 Arsenal 2:

Eddie Howe on the tight turnaround to Wednesday’s Champions League game:

“The game is a good thing.

“After this painful defeat, it is good that we have another game soon after.

“We want to get confidence.”

Eddie Howe on how much it hurts to lose the match so late on Sunday:

“Two really late goals here at home hurts.

“We have to reflect and acknowledge that we weren’t at our best.

“There was not lack of effort but from a footballing side, it wasn’t quite there.

“Probably the key thing, the number of corners. I think Odegaard made a difference to their overall performance. The weight of pressure eventually told. No lack of effort but the little details have cost us.

“I thought we tried. We gave everything to the game. It was really physical.

“I don’t think we were at our best today being honest – Arsenal played very well.

“We had our chances in the game and we took the lead and we were desperate to try and hang on to that lead. Nick (Pope) made some good saves for us but it wasn’t to be and we conceded set-pieces at the end so disappointing.

“Early on in the game we didn’t look our best physically. We looked jaded.

“We took the lead and sometimes you will have days, especially with the schedule we have this season, where you are not physically at your best and you have to find a way to win and we weren’t able to do that.

“Martin Odegaard made a difference for them, he started to penetrate our lines more. We defended the set-pieces pretty well until the end.

“They are always a threat, they have got great players. I don’t think we hit our best levels and then collectively you suffer. We were in the lead and we had what we wanted and we were looking to close the game down.”

Eddie Howe on settling in his new look Newcastle United squad after the summer window:

“There is a player change for us but we can’t us that as an excuse.

“We have to win with the players we have.

“It was great to have Nick (Woltemade) score and we did have other chances in the game.

“We have to take accountability for that and do better.

“Nick and Yoane (Wissa) are totally different players and we are never going to find another Alex (Isak), but we can find a way to be effective with them in the team. Great to see Nick get two goals so early in his Newcastle career.”

Eddie Howe asked about the Elanga/Gabriel incident when denied a second half penalty claim for handball:

“I haven’t seen it again so that’s why I haven’t mentioned it.

“I don’t know if VAR didn’t give the handball, I had a feeling it was initially but it wasn’t given so you have to accept it.

“You have to look at yourselves first otherwise you will not grow and develop.

“You are always in the hands of VAR and I have to trust both decisions – one for us and one against us.”

Newcastle 1 Arsenal 2 – Sunday 28 September 2025 4.30pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Woltemade 34

Arsenal:

Merino 84, Gabriel 90+6

Possession was Newcastle 36% Arsenal 64%

Total shots were Newcastle 8 Arsenal 20

Shots on target were Newcastle 3 Arsenal 7

Corners were Newcastle 7 Arsenal 12

Touches in the box Newcastle 17 Arsenal 43

Newcastle team v Arsenal:

Pope, Livramento (Lascelles 77), Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Bruno, Joelinton (Barnes 94), Tonali, Gordon (Trippier 67), Woltemade (Osula 67), Murphy (Elanga 66)

Subs:

Ramsdale, Krafth, Willock, Miley

(Mikel Arteta manipulation of the media is now laid bare – Quite incredible – Read HERE)

(Newcastle 1 Arsenal 2 – Match ratings and comments on all Newcastle United players – Read HERE)

(Newcastle 1 Arsenal 2 – Instant Newcastle United fan/writer reaction – Read HERE)

Newcastle United fixtures (All of the Champions League matches will also be available to watch on TV in the UK):

Wednesday 1st October: Union SG vs Newcastle United (5.45pm)

Sunday 5 October– Newcastle v Forest (2pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 18 October – Brighton v Newcastle (3pm)

Tuesday 21st October: Newcastle United vs Benfica (8pm)

Saturday 25 October – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)

Sunday 2 November – West Ham v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports