Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has opened up after his side’s chastening 3-1 Premier League defeat to West Ham United at the London Stadium on Sunday.
The visitors went ahead in the fourth minute of the match, with Jacob Murphy netting to stun the home fans into silence.
But West Ham came roaring back, with Lucas Paqueta and Tomas Soucek scoring either side of a Sven Botman own goal to secure all three points.
It was a frustrating day at the office for Howe and his Newcastle side, who continue to blow hot and cold this term.
And the former Bournemouth boss didn’t mince his words after the game, insisting his team’s display was underwhelming and left much to be desired.
“I can’t really defend the performance, it was really disappointing after that start,” he told Sky Sports.
“I thought we could control the game but we didn’t. We let West Ham in with some uncharacteristic errors.
“Collectively, we were off today and you could see that.
Newcastle went ahead against West Ham on Sunday with Jacob Murphy scoring in the fourth minute of the match
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“We gave ourselves problems. We are hugely disappointed and frustrated with ourselves because we’ve missed a huge opportunity for back-to-back wins.
“The feel of the team was wrong. We were lacking in physicality today.
“I have to go away and reflect on it. This falls into the category that we didn’t perform. This was a poor performance but they happen.
“It leaves us with a gap to bridge and we can only do that with consistency and we haven’t found that this season.”
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West Ham were impressive in their Premier League win over Newcastle
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While it was a poor day for West Ham, it was a much-needed victory for the Hammers.
They’ve toiled ever since the start of the season but, with a win under their belt, will now be hopeful of building some momentum.
The victory was West Ham’s first since the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo, who replaced Graham Potter at the end of last month.
Five facts about the Premier League
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And the Portuguese was thrilled with the victory, while also singling out younger Freddie Potts for praise.
“The players are realising that winning in the Premier League, we have to work very hard,” he stated.
“We will do it again. The win makes it easier, there are smiles and the legs feel easier.
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo was thrilled after his side’s win over Newcastle
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“We see slight improvements on the pitch. We have to create a platform on the pitch.
“He [Potts] did well. The midfield worked really hard. That is one of the strengths of Newcastle.
“It means a lot for us as a club and our fans. We are able to give them something. It was terrific to hear the noise at the London Stadium.
“We hope we can deliver again next week and we can build on this atmosphere.”
West Ham are next in action against Burnley on Saturday (3pm).
As for Newcastle, they’re set to do battle with Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League on Wednesday night (8pm).
