Newcastle United were absolutely the architects of their own downfall against Manchester United.
Yes, Anthony Gordon was seriously unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty in the first-half of what turned out to be a 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford.
Indeed, Newcastle even had chances to score, with the likes of Alexander Isak and Sean Longstaff failing to convert when through on goal.
All of that is hugely frustrating of course but Newcastle only have themselves to blame for the goals they ended up conceding.
Kieran Trippier, enduring something of a nightmare campaign as it is, let Kobbie Mainoo have all the time in the world to roll the Red Devils in front following some rather terrible positioning.
Jacob Murphy then made a mess of clearing a corner after Gordon had levelled the scores, effectively giving Amad Diallo an assist with a lazy clearance from a Bruno Fernandes corner.
The defending, as it has been for much of the season, was laughable.
As you can imagine, Eddie Howe was far from pleased.
Eddie Howe says Newcastle should “hang our hands” after Manchester United defeat
Speaking after the game, Howe said Newcastle “should hang our heads” in shame about the manner of their defending.
“We had chances and I felt we could score at any moment,” he said (via Craig Hope on X, formerly Twitter).
“But we have lost the game because of how we defended their goals. We should hang our heads really. The game got away from us in key moments.”
Newcastle are already planning serious work on their defence
Newcastle obviously haven’t had it easy this season with Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles both suffering serious knee injuries.
That of course isn’t to say the players who are playing shouldn’t be held to account for poor defending but it’s clear Newcastle are not at full strength.
Luckily, it seems work is already underway when it comes to trying to strengthen this summer.
Tosin Adarabioyo and Lloyd Kelly of Fulham and Bournemouth respectively are both reportedly keen to sign on free transfers after positive talks with the club.
Hopefully, next season will be better.
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