Fearless Brentford condemn Eddie Howe and Newcastle United to another damaging loss
Despite taking the lead, Newcastle were behind by the break and although they drew level, a late winner from the Bees caused further tension in the Toon.
It has been less than a year since Eddie Howe and his Newcastle United side climbed the steps at Wembley to reach the Royal Box and lift the Carabao Cup, having defeated would-be Premier League champions Liverpool in a performance for the ages.
It was undoubtedly Eddie Howe’s greatest day, but now he has experienced one of his toughest. Newcastle are in the midst of an incredibly tough and relentless run of fixtures in all competitions, and the home tie against Brentford looked to be the one they would claim an important three points in.
Brentford are having a remarkable season under Keith Andrews, but even with that factored in, this was a game Newcastle should win. And yet, the miserable and damp start 2026 has brought weather-wise, was again reflected in the Magpies’ performance on the pitch.
Individual errors played their part, but a lack of structure and composure were the overriding issues for Newcastle as they lost by three goals to two. The Magpies led through Sven Botman midway through the first half, and yet when the whistle blew for half time it was Brentford who were ahead.
Such have been Newcastle’s struggles when leading this season, Brentford scoring two quick goals to turn the game on its head felt almost inevitable, a sad reflection of where the Magpies find themselves this season. The equaliser came from a delicious ball in from the left that was met by Vitaly Janelt in the box, who calmly headed home. Then, a penalty awarded for handball on Jacob Murphy was dispatched by Igor Thiago.
Changes were made by Eddie Howe at half time. Nick Woltemade was introduced alongside Anthony Elanga, which saw Newcastle have more bodies in attacking areas. It seemed to cause Brentford problems but left the Magpies vulnerable on the break.
Newcastle’s leveller came in the 79th minute from the spot. Their returning captain Bruno Guimarães sent Caoimhín Kelleher the wrong way, after Guimarães himself had been brought down in an attempt to connect with a ball into the box.
The Magpies have both won and lost late on this season, and on this occasion it was the latter. As Newcastle pushed forwards, they were caught on the break, allowing for Dango Ouattara to fire an effort through Nick Pope and into the net. Pope probably should have done better, but such was the determination in Brentford’s performance, they were perhaps owed a slice of luck.
The Bees were effective in seeing out the nine minutes of stoppage time that followed, leading to much disgruntlement at the sound of the final whistle. Comparing that to what was heard at Wembley in March 2025, tells you all you need to know about where Newcastle are right now.
Is Eddie Howe under pressure? Some sections of supporters will say yes, but those at the club will likely continue to back their Head Coach. What is certain is that results need to improve, and for that to happen, the on-field setup requires a rethink. Newcastle lack creative talents, but they have players capable enough of turning around this current form.