A SICKENER FOR EDDIE!
Isolating Howe will realise the task in hand
EDDIE HOWE may have produced a positive result 24 hours earlier but Newcastle couldn’t match the new gaffer as their winless
run stretched to 12 games.
And in the end, they were grateful to Allan Saint-maximin (left) whose 75th-minute equaliser denied Brentford a first victory on Tyneside in 87 years.
But Covid-victim Howe must have been tearing his hair out while isolating in his hotel room, as the side he inherited a fortnight ago showed all the defensive failings which led to Steve Bruce’s departure. The crowd were certainly treated to more thrills and spills than they’d become accustomed to in a see-saw contest.
But this had been marked out as a must-win fixture. Instead Howe finds himself in charge of a team propping up the table.
“It was not the result we wanted but there were a lot of positives to take, certainly from an attacking perspective,” said No. 2 Jason Tindall, who had a direct link with Howe thoughout the game
“We asked them to play with intensity on the front foot and we had 23 shots, but it’s disappointing to concede three goals and there is a lot more work to be done to make ourselves better.”
The Bees thought they’d produced the classic sting in the tail when Frank Onyeka’s 61st-minute shot struck Jamaal Lascelles deflecting into his own net.
But 14 minutes later, fellow sub Ryan Fraser delivered a gem of a pass for Saint-maximin to rifle home the sixth goal of the game.
“This was a big occasion for Newcastle and everything was lined up for a massive party but we showed a very good mentality,” said
Brentford boss Thomas Frank. “But when you are ahead twice and score three times away from home, it is a bit frustrating we did not win.”
Newcastle went ahead on 10 minutes with two of their old guard combining. Matt Ritchie swung in a corner and skipper Lascelles rose above the Bees’ defence to head in via the upright.
Within seconds, the visitors were level via Ivan Toney – his first league goal in seven games. Sergi Canos hooked a ball forward and, from a tight angle, Toney converted with an effort which went through keeper Karl Darlow.
He came desperately close to doubling his tally when Darlow pushed a Bryan Mbeumo centre into his path only for the recalled Fabian Schar to head off the line. But Schar and his fellow defenders went missing in the 31st minute. Rico Henry was afforded the freedom of Gallowgate as he ghosted in to meet Canos’ deep delivery with a fine header.
Joelinton bagged his first goal of the season in the 39th minute, scoring with a rasping left-foot drive. Toon finished the opening period on top with both Wilson and Saint-maximin going close.
On the hour, the Frenchman flashed another shot across goal but, with the Geordies building a head of steam, that own-goal by Lascelles stopped them in their tracks.
But Saint-maximin at least ensured the stricken Howe had something to smile about in his lockaway.