'I'll go away and try to figure it out': Eddie Howe admits he needs to work out how to keep Newcastle United consistent

It was a case of 'job done' for Newcastle United at St James' Park on Sunday afternoon, coming away 4-3 winners against third-placed Nottingham Forest, but despite the win, the mood around Newcastle was flat at full time.

Newcastle supporters witnessed probably the most inconsistent performance of the season, which has been absolutely riddled with inconsistencies.

All season, we've wondered which version of Newcastle United we'll get when the match kicks off. We have the dominant, in control, silky, brilliant Newcastle or the are-we-sure-these-guys-have-played-football-before? Newcastle. It only ever seems to be one or the other, and too often, we've seen both sides in the same game, with today's win over Nottingham Forest the absolute epitome of that duality.

So many games this season, we've criticised Newcastle for not coming out in the second half. Whatever they're putting in those Red Bull bottles needs to be tested because it's doing something to those poor players.

Richard Heathcoate/Getty Images

Eddie Howe admits that there's a lot his side need to improve after today's game

Speaking after the game (via Newcastle World), Eddie Howe spoke about needing to find a way to be consistent, admitting that it's something that he needs to look at.

“Yeah, of course it's difficult because you want to be the best version of yourselves consistently. But the game is the best game for me, the best for a reason, because of the drama, because of the ability for teams to come back.

“Another challenge that we need to pose each other really as a group is to find solutions in those moments to help the players. That's what I'll go away now and try and figure out.

“It's happened too many times this season where we've been inconsistent game to game, but we've been inconsistent in-game as well. Ultimately we won the game, so I have to be very, very pleased. That was a tough game.

“We knew it was going to be, thought the players were magnificent in their response to conceding. So loads of good stuff to take away and, of course, some stuff to improve.”

Eddie Howe had better get cracking on figuring out what needs to change

Howe doesn't have long to crack that formula either, with Liverpool up next on Wednesday night at Anfield, our bogey team at our bogey ground, and they are coming off the back of beating Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad today.

To add just that little extra sprinkle of pressure, Wednesday is also a dress rehearsal for the Carabao Cup final next month as the two sides are set to meet again at Wembley.

Best get to work, Eddie!