Eddie Howe shouldered the blame after Newcastle United suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Sunderland in the first Tyne-Wear derby in over a decade. The Magpies had taken an early lead through Anthony Gordon, but Brian Brobbey's 90th-minute winner sealed a comeback for the Black Cats. The loss ended Newcastle's 11-game unbeaten streak against their rivals and saw Sunderland climb above them in the Premier League table.

Club legend Alan Shearer described Newcastle's second-half performance as 'pathetic, weak, lazy and limp' on social media, but Howe refused to deflect criticism onto his players. The manager acknowledged his tactical approach and preparation had failed, particularly after the grueling midweek defeat to Barcelona. He emphasized his commitment to the job while accepting responsibility for the team's inconsistent form this season.

Howe also revealed that injuries to key midfielders Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Lewis Miley had left his side unbalanced. He admitted missing all three players affected Newcastle's ability to control the game and maintain their technical quality. The defeat leaves Newcastle 12th in the table, seven points behind fifth-placed Liverpool, as they face mounting pressure to rediscover their form in the final months of the campaign.