Frustrated Eddie Howe rues concentration lapse as Newcastle United lose to Brighton

LONDON – Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe was disappointed with Danny Welbeck’s first-half strike that gave visiting Brighton & Hove Albion a 1-0 English Premier League victory on Oct 19.

Howe’s side struggled to get shots on target in the first half at St James’ Park and, though they improved in the second, they still could not find the back of the net as they extended their run without a league win to four games, scoring only twice.

“We conceded with the first shot they had in the game. It’s one of those moments where you go ‘that sums football up’. That can happen sometimes when you’re so dominant. One lapse in concentration cost us,” Howe told the BBC.

“I didn’t feel we needed to totally rip up what we were doing. A goal looked like it was coming. The last 20 minutes was frustrating as we didn’t put pressure on their goal, credit to Brighton for the way they defended, but we’re frustrated.”

Newcastle welcomed back striker Alexander Isak from injury and though they appeared rampant in the opening exchanges, the Sweden international looked rusty, especially in front of goal.

“We’re going through a phase where we’re not scoring, but the positive is we’re creating chances. We can’t feel sorry for ourselves, it’s back to hard work on the training pitch,” Howe said.

Brighton coach Fabian Hurzeler was happy to get away with the win, even if his side had to soak up a lot of pressure.

“I wouldn’t say it was a deserved win, but my team suffered and defended together,” he said.

“Sometimes that’s football – we didn’t deserve to score at the time when we did, but it’s great individual quality from Danny Welbeck, I am very happy with him.”

There was better news for Newcastle’s fellow top-four contenders Aston Villa, who came from behind to beat Fulham 3-1 on Oct 19.

Villa extended their unbeaten run to six league games with a highly entertaining clash at Craven Cottage in which the home side missed a penalty and both teams had a man sent off.

“Very proud of our mentality here. At the moment we are getting good results. Even when Fulham had a penalty and scored first, we focused together,” Villa manager Unai Emery said.

Fulham were in front after five minutes through Raul Jimenez, but Villa were level shortly after when a shot from Morgan Rogers took a wicked deflection.

In the 27th minute, Matty Cash was penalised for handball, but Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira’s tame spot kick was comfortably gathered by Emiliano Martinez.

Ollie Watkins put Villa ahead just before the hour mark and things went from bad to worse for Fulham as first, Joachim Andersen was sent off and then Issa Diop scored an own goal. REUTERS