Newcastle United

Charlotte Robson
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

"Inconsistency is our identity" is perhaps the new moniker for Newcastle United.

Once, it was "intensity is our identity", but you have to be able to talk the talk if you are going to walk the walk. We are not walking the walk. It is becoming harder and harder to defend the performances we are seeing.

Since last week, Newcastle have played Liverpool and Brentford, the former at home and the latter away.

The Liverpool game was never going to be the real test for Newcastle. I have no idea why, but against the 'top six' the team seem able to perform - particularly at home.

It was a wild, end-to-end game, and it was incredible to be there. St James' Park was loud and up for it and things felt like they did in the 2022-23 season.

Next, Brentford - the actual marker of where we are. The Bees, with the best home form in the league (though dig a little and you will see the quality of their opposition has not been incredible), is the sort of team that we need to be beating and performing against.

Reader, we did not.

One of the biggest things for me - and I was there at Gtech Community Stadium - was the seeming lack of leadership on the pitch.

As soon as Newcastle went 3-2 down, the game was suddenly being played at 100mph and nobody on the pitch was trying to keep it calm.

Bruno Guimaraes was given the captain's armband at the beginning of the season, in a move that seems increasingly designed to placate him somewhat in a season that we were not going to be playing European football in.

Once we went behind, he was not offering the leadership on the pitch that we so needed.

In this respect, we miss Kieran Trippier - who did come on, but not for long enough - to make a difference in a game we were chasing.

Yet again, we begin the week with more questions than answers for Newcastle United.

Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external

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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Brentford and Newcastle.

Here are some of your comments:

Brentford fans

Paul: Best home performance of the season, particularly in the second half. Bees have been great home, not so good away. This performance was full of attacking flair and skill and was well deserved against a good team. Frank has the team playing confidently and without fear and I was very proud to be a Bees supporter.

David: Went for first time in five years as I live miles away. I'm used to seeing Brentford in the lower leagues and have seen over 800 games in my 61 years of watching Brentford. This is in my top five games ever.

Mel: This team makes my heart pound! It's a pleasure to watch the Bees achieve some astonishing home performances and set records! Full credit to the squad for their flexibility, professionalism and teamwork equally supported by brilliant club management.

Kev: Newcastle edged the first half but in the second we were unplayable and demolished them. Danger from everywhere. Just an away win or two from being real contenders.

Newcastle fans

Wardy: Another dreadful away performance. No shame in losing to a vibrant energetic Brentford but we lacked energy and didn't press as one. The defence was a shambles, backing off and giving way too much time on the ball. Nowhere near good-enough attitude and no point just turning up for the big games. Need to sort themselves out before this season is a write off.

Michael: Too many poor players like Dan Burn, Fabian Schar, Nick Pope, Joe Willock, Miguel Almiron and Sean Longstaff. They can do better than Howe... great tactical genius? I don't think so! I'd start looking for a better coach.

Roger: We are slightly better than the Steve Bruce team and are on a par with the side under Rafa Benitez. Mid-table mediocrity beckons I'm afraid. Too many players only show up for home fixtures.

Geordie: This inconsistency is really starting to bite now. While some individuals in the team are certainly not performing, the regular topsy-turvy games are a collective problem and that, ultimately, comes down to coaching. These persistent stale performances are a management issue and Eddie will know this. It's what he does before January - when desperately needed reinforcements can be brought -will be the key to our season. Provided it's not too late by then.

Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer spoke to BBC Match of the Day about Saturday's defeat against Brentford:

"Brentford were outstanding. [Bryan] Mbuemo and [Yoanne] Wissa ran Newcastle ragged. They could have scored more.

"I don't like the attitude of several of the Newcastle players. You can't just turn up in the big home games. They were dreadful defensively.

"Two years ago, we were praising Newcastle all their time for their energy and pressing - there was none of it. There's no point in pressing in ones and twos. Nobody got within five yards of any Brentford player.

"They lack the energy that we were so used to seeing a year or two ago."

Watch the full analysis on BBC iPlayer

Highlights and analysis from Saturday's four Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Crystal Palace 2-2 Man City

• Man Utd 2-3 Nottingham Forest

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Eddie Howe spoke to BBC Sport after Newcastle's defeat against Brentford: "Really frustrating, we are really disappointed with the manner of goals we conceded. It''s not even individual mistakes, there's two or three actions I'm not happy with for each goal. We have to do better in those situations.

"We had control of the game in the first half, then it got away from us after the third goal. We looked like a good attacking unit, but we have to put it all together and it has led to inconsistent results.

On their recent form, with no win in four games: "A strange sequence for us, we had three consecutive wins against really good opponents, then we have had mixed performances. We have to get it over the line."

Emma Smith
BBC Sport journalist

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This game started as 11th versus 12th in the Premier League, but amid the mid-table congestion the winner would shoot up the standings.

But it is Brentford who rose to sixth at full time, while Newcastle remain grounded in the bottom half with no win in their last four matches.

There are issues at both ends for Newcastle. In defence they are leaking badly, conceding seven in their last two games.

The third for Brentford here was particularly egregious, as a long Mark Flekken ball was allowed to swirl in the wind and bounce through to Nathan Collins to score.

While up front, Newcastle had enough chances to win the game especially in the first half. Alexander Isak rounding the keeper but not finishing was poor.

One must also look to the team selection today, with both Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon left on the bench and unable to influence the match as subs.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Brentford’s performance

What did you make of Newcastle’s display?

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

Four matches make up Saturday's Premier League action after the postponement of the Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool because of adverse weather conditions, and we will bring you every moment.

• Aston Villa v Southampton

• Brentford v Newcastle

• Crystal Palace v Manchester City - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Manchester United v Nottingham Forest - 17:30 - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

All kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all the action and reaction here

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.

For week 15 he takes on Dougie Payne, bassist with rock band Travis.

Sutton's prediction: 2-2

Brentford's home record is incredible, and still the best in the Premier League this season.

Newcastle were impressive against Liverpool in midweek but their challenge is to follow up that performance here, because they have been very up and down so far.

This is a difficult one to call, but I always expect goals from the Bees when they are at home.

In contrast, Newcastle have not been scoring consistently this season but they got three against the leaders and I think they will get a couple more here.

Payne's prediction: 2-1

It is no surprise Newcastle play well when Alexander Isak is on form, because he is such a good player. But I have really enjoyed watching Brentford this season, and they are so good at home.

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game at Brentford (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• He said "there were some tired bodies" after the draw with Liverpool but "our job is to refuel the group and go again".

• Howe added: "After any game, there's a comedown. But I think it will be a steep one after the Liverpool game. Our challenge this weekend is to find a way to hit the same levels of intensity and mental qualities that we showed on Wednesday, so quickly."

• Howe suggested there would be some changes to the starting line-up but there has still "got to be a balance" in order to compete against Brentford.

• He said his players "looked really good athletically against a top team" and prior to the Liverpool match there was the "correct attitude and mental preparation from the players" to attack the game.

• On Fabian Schar's goal: "He has been so important for us in the build-up phases. He uses the ball really well - long and short. His goal rounded everything up and is a great example of him. How he scored that is beyond me, I certainly wouldn't have been able to do that as a centre-back!"

• Howe said they "need to start well" against Brentford because Thomas Frank's side have proved to be quick from the get-go, and added: "They are a very good set-piece team, so we need to be on our guard."

• On how his side use recovery days: "They do loads of classic recovery tools. We have really good internal facilities now too. The lads utilise all of those things but nothing beats the old-fashioned good diet and sleep. Mentally, there is work we need to do to get the players in the right place."

• He said there are "lots of ifs and buts" to where a win at Brentford would put them in the Premier League table but the opportunity of climbing into the top six "is there to be taken". Howe added: "Key for us is to be optimistic and very positive. We've been slightly inconsistent but that is in the past and I still believe there's more to come."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Arsenal and Chelsea are both targeting a striker and the two London clubs have a similar list of targets, which includes Newcastle United's Sweden forward Alexander Isak, 25. (Caught Offside), external

Brighton and Southampton are tracking 18-year-old Motherwell teenager Lennon Miller, with the Scotland Under-21 international also interesting Liverpool and Newcastle. (Daily Mail - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

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Wednesday's 3-3 draw between Newcastle and Liverpool provided a lovely feeling of nostalgia for many people watching as it was a game of old.

It was a great game and there is always an energy around midweek nights at St James' Park.

Newcastle were very much on the front foot in the first half and it was a great goal from Alexander Isak. Liverpool weren't at their absolute best but Arne Slot is really good at tweaking his team at half-time to bring out a better version of them in the second half.

Even when Liverpool scored, Newcastle were still pushing forward and then when they equalised the noise level inside the stadium went up again.

At 3-2 you probably thought the game was over, so fair play to Newcastle for bouncing back. That came through a mistake by Caoimhin Kelleher, which 99 times out of 100 would not have been punished the way it was.

The finish from Fabian Schar is not getting enough credit and it will probably be one of the best finishes of the season.

It was just an incredible game and the Newcastle fans will have loved it. From a Liverpool perspective, it probably serves as a bit of a reminder of what is ahead of them this season.

They might want to win the Premier League title but there will be hiccups along the way and Wednesday's result was a big boost for those teams around them in the title race.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford

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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe believes Alexander Isak produced his "best performance of the season" in Wednesday's thrilling 3-3 draw with Liverpool.

There had been a doubt over whether the Sweden forward would play, having picked up an injury recently, but Howe and Magpies fans will be glad he did.

Isak fired Newcastle into a first-half lead with a thunderous finish, saw another goal disallowed for offside and had strong penalty appeals waved away.

Asked about the 25-year-old's contribution to an eventful night at St James' Park against the Premier League leaders, Howe said: "I think it was Alex's best performance of the season for us.

"First of all, let's take his goal. It was a goal out of nothing for us and this season we've missed those.

"Last season, he regularly scored goals that he was probably not expected to score, and those moments of magic can swing games your way, and that was a massive step towards doing that.

"He was elusive, difficult to mark and difficult to pick up and was popping up all over the place. He's a great dribbler so it was great to see those qualities back in his game and I just thought it was a top performance from him."

Isak's strike in the 35th minute from 22 yards out set the tone for an exciting match that saw Newcastle - who had failed to muster a single attempt on goal at Crystal Palace at the weekend - rediscover their finishing in front of goal.

Howe added: "It's great to have one of those moments from Alex because those moments of quality, he does possess and he's delivered them consistently for us - maybe not so much this season, those strikes from distance, but he's more than capable of doing that and that's why he can make the difference for us."

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Premier League game between Newcastle and Liverpool.

Here are some of your comments:

Newcastle fans

Wardy: Wow. So, yet again we go toe to toe with the best the Premier League has to offer. If we can just maintain this level of intensity and commitment, we will climb the table. No more excuses lads - no fixture congestion, few injuries, everything to play for. Come on!!

Simon: What a difference between the team that turned up last night against Liverpool. To a man every ball was fought for, the press, the number of turnovers and the number of chances created were exceptional. This is by far our best performance of the season. Shoutout for the fans who acted as the 12th Man. A pleasure to watch.

James: Two points lost rather than a point gained, however, a better performance. Could've been 3-0 up at half time and they were punished with their mistakes for Liverpool's goals. The lack of conviction in some chances has been the downfall this season so far.

Ernie: Really entertaining game. Glad to get a point. Could have been three but for a couple of defensive errors but Liverpool are a dangerous side all over the park. Tonali and Big Joe were excellent.

Philippe: Great game. Isak on fire and Gordon more influential on the left. Tonali did very well also. In Howe we trust. How did the referee blow the final whistle when we were three against one? It should have been ours for a last grasp winner for 4-3.

Liverpool fans

Tim Wadsworth: A point was well deserved against a high press team who were the better team on the night. Would love Isak to be our number nine. A goalkeeper error in the end but how many saves has he made for us so far? Three points a must at Goodison on Saturday.

Ruhel: Don't blame Kelleher for the Newcastle Goal. He has saved us on numerous occasions. I blame Nunez for missing chances again. Not good enough for Liverpool. Need to buy a striker in January as Jota is injury prone.

Ken Adams: Conceding so late feels more like points dropped than points gained. Have to bounce back at Goodison on Saturday to regain momentum. Won't be easy if the players don't win their individual duels. Quite a few lost composure under pressure and the reaction to a small setback is now vital.

Chris: Started off too slow and gave Newcastle momentum. Much better second half, but the Reds have been brilliant so far, and one average performance occasionally to be expected. But a point earned. Get Mo and Virgil signed please.

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Former Premier League winger Pat Nevin says he did not want Newcastle's end-to-end game with Liverpool to end.

"It was one of the best games I've seen this season," said Nevin on BBC Radio 5 Live. "It had ebb and flow.

"Tired players create space and when you get space on a football field, it is good players that make capital. That was a display from very, very good players.

"Alexander Isak was phenomenal. Every time he got the ball in the first half he was making chances and was unstoppable when he was dribbling.

"In the second-half it was like Mohamed Salah responded and said 'I can do that too' and he started to do the same.

"It was a classic game that you didn't want to end. It was great fun to watch. Both sides will be happy with the point in the end."

Listen to the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds

Gary Lineker presents highlights and analysis from eight midweek Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Ipswich Town 0-1 Crystal Palace

• Leicester City 3-1 West Ham United

• Newcastle United 3-3 Liverpool

• Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United

• Aston Villa 3-1 Brentford

Newcastle United are monitoring 24-year-old Bournemouth and Ghana winger Antoine Semenyo and 25-year-old Brentford and Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo. (The i News - subscription required), external

Want more transfer news? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist

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There was a doubt over whether Alexander Isak would play this game because of injury but pretty much everyone watching will be glad he did.

The striker was at his very best, creating chances and causing the Liverpool defence all sorts of problems and capped the display with an excellent goal.

His shot, an unstoppable 70mph drive, put Newcastle deservedly ahead in a half they dominated, but he also set up a couple of his team-mates to add further to that advantage.

In the end Newcastle may have ultimately rescued a draw but there was plenty to take from this performance to give them hope of climbing up the table sooner rather than later.

Image source, PA Media

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, speaking to Amazon Prime after the 3-3 draw against Liverpool: "How do I feel? Positive, that was much better from us. You know with the quality Liverpool have off the bench we could have an issue and that's what happened.

"But our mental quality came to the fore and we got the equaliser. We had chances to make it 2-0, we scored three goals and looked dynamic and energetic.

"I am really proud. We went toe-to-toe and matched them, it's our best of the season. Our gameplan was to be ourselves, which is difficult against a team like Liverpool, it's a delicate balance.

"Alexander Isak was really good tonight, if we get our players firing we are some team."