Eddie Howe reckons Sunderland at home is “a good game” for his side to head into after their hammering at Barcelona. But it’s a game he and his side now dare not lose.
A Tyne-Wear derby double defeat to their fierce rivals, on the back of the 7-2 hammering in Spain which ended their Champions League hopes, would have alarm bells ringing loudly at St James’ Park.
Sunderland would go above their near neighbours. Howe would have the unwanted record of being the first Magpies boss ever to lose his first two derbies.
But beyond the pain of the hit to local pride, it would also raise major questions about the direction Newcastle are heading in.
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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe was left disappointed following their devastating 7-2 loss at Barcelona.
“This is where we want to be,” said Howe after the loss at Barcelona, reflecting on his enjoyment of how his side went toe-to-toe with the Spanish champions in the first half before it all went wrong after the break.
But it could be years before Newcastle are back on the Champions League stage.
Right now, their Premier League position is precarious.
Newcastle could be in the bottom half if they don’t win on Sunday. With hopes of repeating last season’s cup success already over, a top-five finish may already be out of their grasp.
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The gap of seven points to fifth-placed Liverpool looks incredibly difficult to bridge, especially given Newcastle’s inconsistency this season. It’s six points to Chelsea in sixth, and three to Brentford in seventh.
Recent wins over Man Utd and Chelsea had brought belief there could be a late charge up the table. There was a feeling going into Wednesday that Newcastle were perhaps in their best moment of the season.
But the psychological damage of that heavy defeat in Barcelona has wrecked that – and put prospects of a surge towards European qualification in doubt.
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Sky Sports News’ Keith Downie reacts to Newcastle United’s 7-2 defeat at Barcelona in the Champions League.
There was a physical impact, too, with Sandro Tonali now facing a late fitness test to be available this weekend after picking up an injury.
That follows noise over the past week about his future, with his agent talking up Tonali’s ambition to take the next step in his career. Bruno Guimaraes has also been linked with a move away.
Champions League qualification wasn’t enough to convince Alexander Isak to stay. Without a place in Europe’s elite club competition – or even the Europa League – Newcastle may find it difficult to hold onto more prized assets this summer. Attracting prime targets would also become harder.
When will Newcastle be on the Champions League stage again?
Has Howe taken Newcastle as far as he can? That will be another question posed if this season finishes on a down note.
The Englishman has written his name in the club’s legend, ending the long-awaited trophy wait with the Carabao Cup triumph and twice taking the team into the Champions League. It’s significant work, given Newcastle were fearing relegation when he came in, and it has earned Howe many supporters within the club and among the fanbase.
His hunger to refresh and rejuvenate the squad will be a topic, especially given the draining past summer he had when sporting director Paul Mitchell left. Or could a fresh voice get more out of this group?
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Highlights from the Premier League clash between Sunderland and Newcastle.
They are all issues for another day. For now, the immediate focus is Sunday – and a Sunderland side which pose real threat, despite their recent drop-off in form.
If Newcastle defend set-pieces against Regis Le Bris’ side like they did against Barcelona, they’ll be in big trouble. ‘Unforgivable’ was how Howe described their defensive lapses in those moments.
Sunderland – who won the reverse fixture at the Stadium of Light in December thanks to a Nick Woltemade own goal – also come into the game with recent history on their side. They have won seven of the last eight of these fixtures.
They will need no motivation to go all guns blazing to extend that record.
An early goal for the visitors would really have Newcastle nerves jangling. And after their collapse at the Spotify Camp Nou, the fear will be another disastrous defeat is coming.
Howe and Newcastle must bounce back. “We’ve just got to play like our lives depend on it,” said the head coach.
The trajectory of the club could be shaped by the outcome.
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