Newcastle United headlines: Eddie Howe addresses key…

Newcastle United headlines: Eddie Howe addresses key issue and Allan Saint-Maximin's future questioned

Your Newcastle United headlines for Sunday, March 5.

Howe on goalscoring issue

Eddie Howe admitted that Newcastle's run of three games without a goal is a big concern. Speaking in the aftermath of the 2-0 defeat against Man City, when a host of chances were missed in both halves, Howe indicated that the team's confidence and well-being hinged on getting back to goalscoring ways.

"I’m not going to lie and say it’s not a concern, because of course it is, but I think if you’re still creating them," the Toon boss said. "We did today, then that’s a positive. We didn’t create an abundance of chances because we were playing against one of the best teams in world football but we had the moments.

"I back the players over the long-term that we will start scoring again. But we need to, that’s a fact, because the confidence of the team is dependent on it really. That’s certainly something for us to reflect on."

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ASM relationship questioned

Allan Saint-Maximin has made it clear he won't accept being on the bench while the Magpies aren't winning. The Frenchman carved out the only real chance of the Carabao Cup final last weekend against Man United but found himself dropped at the Etihad Stadium against Man City.

It appeared that Saint-Maximin had bought into the idea of being an impact substitute in the last half an hour but his appearance on the bench led to an interesting observation from watching football manager Chris Wilder that prompted discussions during the match.

Wilder, summarising for BBC 5 Live, said: "I do wonder if Eddie Howe really fancies Allan Saint-Maximin because I'd imagine he'd be playing, as one of the more important players, in a game as big as this today."

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Bruno injury update

Howe also revealed Bruno Guimaraes is playing through ankle problems after struggling against Man City at the Etihad Stadium.

The Brazil star suffered a real whack on his ankle at Wembley during the Carabao Cup final last weekend just weeks after a nasty injury against Fulham which required a week in a protective boot. But as the season reaches boiling point, Howe is keeping an eye on his midfielder.

Howe said: "There were a couple of knocks, but I don’t know 100%. I thought Bruno was maybe showing the effects of that knock he had on the ankle last week. But I don’t think there’s any long-term problem there, and Joe got a stamp on his foot."

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Plenty of positives

Both Danny Murphy and Ian Wright believe Eddie Howe should not be too concerned by Newcastle United’s latest setback. Despite creating several goalscoring opportunities, the Magpies fluffed their lines again to lose 2-0 for the third consecutive fixture.

“I agree with what Eddie Howe said,” Murphy told Match of the Day. “They played really well, good pressing. They can take lots of positives from that performance.

“So nothing to worry about. City’s knowhow their ruthlessness, the experience to get the job done is there for all to see. Even on occasions when they don't play particularly well, they have match-winners.”

Arsenal legend Wright praised the chances created at one of the toughest grounds to visit in the division. He added: “Newcastle's chances were excellent chances. They did very, very well to make them and, when you're playing against City, you're not going to get a lot of chances to do that.

“You’re looking at a team that, last week, we’re in a cup final. This week, they are going to the champions’ house and they're creating good enough chances to win the game. Eddie Howe should be happy. There was a lot of positivity to take (from the game).”

Newcastle United headlines: Eddie Howe addresses key issue and Allan Saint-Maximin's future questioned

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