Newcastle United Return To Playing Style After Defeat To Manchester City, Howe Says

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Newcastle United left the Etihad Stadium beaten 2-1 by Manchester City, yet Eddie Howe felt the display showed a clear return to Newcastle United’s preferred style. Howe accepted the damage caused by Nico O'Reilly’s double but highlighted the performance level, especially during a strong second-half push.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Howe said Newcastle United were frustrated with the goals conceded but encouraged by the response. "We're disappointed with the two goals we conceded," Howe told TNT Sports. "We chased the game well in the second half and we were in it right until the end with Harvey [Barnes] shot right until the end."

Howe stressed that Newcastle United matched Manchester City’s intensity for long spells, despite failing to rescue a point. "We were chasing the game against a very good team. We did that to a man excellently all game. The end product, the last cross, the last finish was not quite there. There were several occasions where we should have done better."

For Howe, the most important aspect was that Newcastle United again looked like the side from stronger periods of last season. "We've returned to a good way of playing, our way of playing. We have done that over the last four games and as long as we get that consistently, I'll be happy." The defeat ended a three-match winning streak in all competitions.

Lewis Hall scored Newcastle United’s goal, bringing them level after O'Reilly’s opener before the hosts struck again. Hall’s finish was Newcastle United’s first Premier League goal at the Etihad Stadium in 2,730 days, the previous league scorer there being DeAndre Yedlin in September 2018, after six straight goalless away league games at this venue.

Dan Burn also thought Newcastle United had equalised earlier when a powerful header found the net, but the defender saw the goal disallowed for offside. Despite the competitive showing, Newcastle United suffered a seventh Premier League away defeat of the current campaign, matching the total number of away losses recorded across the entire 2024-25 season.

That league record underlines the contrast between Newcastle United’s current away results and last season’s steadier form. This season they now stand at W3 D4 L7 on the road, compared with W8 D4 L7 away in 2024-25. The setback also halted momentum after three successive wins across domestic and European fixtures.

Newcastle United travel schedule and Lewis Hall reaction

Newcastle United arrived in Manchester after a demanding trip to Azerbaijan, where they faced Qarabag in the Champions League and won 6-1. The long midweek journey and early-hours return added to the physical and mental strain, yet Howe’s side maintained energy levels well against Manchester City’s possession-heavy style.

Hall echoed Howe’s positive tone despite the defeat, pointing to the schedule Newcastle United handled. "I think we can be very proud of the effort we put in," said the defender. "It's been a difficult week for us in terms of travelling, a long away day [midweek] and got back in the early hours."

Hall felt Newcastle United showed they could compete with elite opposition, even without reward. "To come here against some of the best players in the world and go toe to toe with them, unfortunately, we weren't able to get a result, but we can be proud of the performance." For Howe and Hall, the focus now rests on maintaining this level while improving results.