Eddie Howe delivers his verdict on Newcastle United's controversial penalty as he reflects on 'disappointing' performance
Newcastle United twice let the lead slip tonight as Tottenham Hotspur took their chances at St James' Park.
If you look at the stats on this game, it really should have been a riotous Newcastle win. The home side had seven shots on target and only scored two, one of which was from the penalty spot. Spurs had two shots on target and scored both of them.
Newcastle were by far the better side for much of the game, with Spurs only having a couple of spells where they had the ball in our half, but when it came to taking their chances, Cristian Romero was in the right place at the right time on two occasions.
It's perhaps more damning that Newcastle can have so many shots and not score than it is their inability to keep shots on target out of the net.
Eddie Howe praised Bruno Guimaraes' contribution after bringing the Brazilian on at half-time
Whichever is more concerning is for Eddie Howe to decide, but he's got to digest this game first. Speaking to Sky Sports at full-time, the Newcastle gaffer reflected on a poor performance.
"I don't think it was us at our best today but we battled into a position we wanted with a few minutes left and we just couldn't defend that corner at the end. A disappointing feeling having worked so hard.
"Bruno's goal was an outstanding finish. He made a difference, his energy and enthusiasm and passion is always stand out for us. He made a big difference."
Eddie Howe believes the penalty award was fair
Howe was also asked for his view on the penalty award that was put away emphatically by Anthony Gordon, and it seems Howe is in agreement with the officials.
"The big thing is the defender doesn't look at the ball at all, he's just looking at Dan. It's probably the right call."
We were obviously chuffed to see it given, but if that was against us, we'd be livid. That being said, just moments before that, Nick Woltemade was clearly being held in the box by his shirt and it wasn't even looked at, so swings and roundabouts and all that.
