EDDIE HOWE POINTS FINGER AT NEWCASTLE STARS AND REVEALS WHAT WENT WRONG IN PAINFUL LATE 2-2 DRAW VS LEVERKUSEN — FANS WON’T LIKE IT.
Eddie Howe points finger at Newcastle stars as late Leverkusen equaliser proves costly
Newcastle looked set to secure a significant away win in Germany before Álex Grimaldo struck an 88th-minute equaliser for leverkusen side. The result leaves Newcastle’s qualification hopes finely poised heading into the final matchday.
Leverkusen opened the scoring after 13 minutes when a corner struck Bruno Guimarães and deflected into his own net. Newcastle recovered impressively, first through an Anthony Gordon penalty early in the second half and then via a towering header from 18-year-old substitute Lewis Miley with just over 15 minutes remaining.
However, Howe’s side were again undone by late pressure, with Grimaldo arriving unmarked to fire past Martin Dúbravka and deny Newcastle a vital victory.
Speaking after the match, Howe expressed frustration at the manner of the goals conceded and questioned the defensive concentration of his players.
“We haven’t defended well enough today,” Howe said. “It was too easy for them to progress through the middle of our defence. We started the game really poorly, and although we improved in the second half, the same issue has cost us again.”
Howe highlighted problems with Newcastle’s structure in wide areas, where Tino Livramento was heavily involved as the defence attempted to deal with Leverkusen’s rotations. The head coach suggested his side needed to show greater discipline in closing down crosses and in managing transitions.
“We were passive. The first 30 minutes were nowhere near the level required,” he said. “We fought back well, and the character was there, but ultimately the details have let us down.”
The equaliser was the latest in a series of late goals conceded by Newcastle this season, and Howe acknowledged that game management has become a significant concern.
“It’s happening too many times,” he added. “We can’t keep conceding late goals in matches of this magnitude. That’s not about tactics it’s about concentration, decision-making and responsibility in key moments.”
Guimarães, who was involved in the own goal and struggled during phases of the first half, was among those under scrutiny, while Livramento also faced a difficult evening against Leverkusen’s wide runners. Howe refused to single out individuals but made clear the team’s standards must rise.
“I’ll never criticise one player,” he said, “but the team knows where we need to be better. At this level, small errors lead to big consequences.”
Despite the disappointment, the Newcastle manager insisted that qualification remains “in our hands”, though he admitted the draw represents a missed opportunity.
“It’s a painful one to take because we had control of the match at 2–1,” Howe said. “We did a lot right to get into that position and then let it slip. But we’re still in a good position we just have to respond.”
Lewis Miley’s impact off the bench was a rare bright spot, with the teenager once again demonstrating maturity beyond his years. Gordon, who won and converted the penalty, also impressed in leading Newcastle’s response after half-time.
Leverkusen, who have shown resilience throughout their European campaign, applied pressure late on and were rewarded for their persistence. The German champions remain difficult to beat at home and extended their unbeaten run in all competitions.
Newcastle now face a crucial final group fixture, where victory may be required to reach the knockout stages. Howe said the focus will be on restoring defensive solidity and ensuring late lapses do not undermine their progress.
“We know what’s at stake,” he said. “We can’t afford to repeat these mistakes again.”
