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.
Newcastle have ultimately come up short against Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City in a potentially season-defining fortnight. Just one win in eight league games is a cause for concern but Tottenham Hotspur’s defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers provided a saving grace in the Champions League race.
Similarly to the Carabao Cup final, the Magpies looked comfortable in possession but lacked any killer instinct against a Premier League heavyweight. Former Liverpool midfielder Murphy concurred with Howe’s post-match analysis that his side were competitive.
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“I agree with what Eddie Howe said,” he 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).”
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