Eddie Howe: "We weren't there today"
“We weren’t great today, we were beaten by the better team,” said Newcastle’s manager in a post-match chat with TNT Sports. “I was disappointed from the start, physically we didn’t look anywhere near our best today. Games just caught up with us today, we didn’t have that bounce in our step that we usually have.
“From our perspective we have to be critical of ourselves and just say we weren’t there today. That wasn’t the performances we’ve seen of late and we just have to accept that and come back stronger.
“They played very well. They pressed us very well and upset our rhythm and we didn’t adjust to that. We had our moments but we never felt like we had control like we have in this recent run. There are things for us to reflect on and learn from. I have to give them a lot of credit for how they played and the pressure they put us on and their athleticism and that was the standout feature, particularly in the second half
“We just looked a bit fatigued. That yard of pace we usually have in our usual game we didn’t have. It was bitty and then second half the game got away from us.
“It will be a period of reflection and analysis and then we’ll have to focus on our next game at Southampton. We have a lot to look forward to but it is important we digest today and go again.”
Newcastle 1-4 Bournemouth
Match report: Despite his long list of lame and halt players, Andoni Iraola got on with things and masterminded victory over a Newcastle side with no answers for his side’s ferocious pressing in fine style. Louise Taylor reports from St James’ Park …
