Chronicle Live

Back in 2022, Newcastle's defensive rearguard were captured on camera celebrating a shut out against Everton - now Eddie Howe wants that spirit back

Eddie Howe has called for Newcastle United to get back to being the 'band of brothers' that shocked the Premier League and charged into the Champions League three seasons ago.

Back then Howe transformed the Magpies from a team living in fear of relegation to one challenging at the business end of the table. As his side go in against struggling Burnley, and on the back of an injury-time mistake in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in which a mistake allowed Cristan Romero to shin home a late strike, Howe wants the defensive doggedness to return.

The Toon boss pointed back to a photograph, which is still displayed at the training ground, of Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Dan Burn and Fabian Schar all celebrating a clean sheet. The image was also used as a banner at the Gallowgate End by fans.

Howe told Chronicle Live said: "The defensive mentality has to be there. Not just for the back four and the keeper, but the whole team have to enjoy defending collectively.

"Which I think that year in particular, I think we did have a brilliant attitude to our defending as a whole. The change this year is the amount of games we have in our current schedule.

"The team will be chopping and changing, it has to. I think then you lose the consistency of selection. That year I think you could name the back four and the goalkeeper and build that consistency and performance through that, there were minimal changes. They built a formidable reputation as a back four or five.

"It is a different season now. But whoever plays we want them to adopt the mindset that nobody passes."

Newcastle stars looked down in the dumps after conceding a late equaliser to Spurs and they still sit slumped in the bottom half of the table. But Howe said the days of players heading to the pub for a festive knees up and to get away from the rigours of pressure are over.

Nevertheless, he wants his squad to enjoy their work too and ahead of a crunch period, that includes a clash with Sunderland in the can't lose Wear-Tyne derby, Howe said: "It is a tough one. You want the players to get on off the pitch of course.

"You want them to have great relationships. Off the field you don't want to look at yourself as just team-mates, you have to be closer than that.

"You are sharing experiences with players, and it is so unique. Not many people get to experience such a magical thing. If you are going to have that special time together, it will make it more enjoyable.

"But I think the days of that type of socialising are in the past because we are playing every three days, if we mix that in (socialising) I don't think you'd see the type of performances we want. Let's keep it being brothers rather than drinking partners."

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The former AC Milan star did not complete the clash with Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park

Newcastle United are sweating on the fitness of Sandro Tonali for the clash against Burnley this weekend.

The Italian hobbled off at half-time in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in midweek and was replaced at half-time by Bruno Guimaraes. Tonali complained of pain after the match and asked for a scan, prompting further concerns behind the scenes but Howe has not shut the door on him facing the Clarets.

Howe has also offered updates on Sven Botman, who has a back injury, and Yoane Wissa who is in contention for his debut following a long-term knee injury.

Howe, speaking at his Press conference ahead of the clash with Burnley at St James' Park, said on Tonali: "He's had a scan, we don't think it's too bad. We'll give him every chance to declare himself fit if possible.

"It was a knock very similar to what Joelinton suffered. Dead leg type feeling. We will see how he is today and give him every chance to be fit.

"Sven has had an injection in his back, I haven't actually seen him personally since the Tottenham game.

"I think he has had an injection, we hope that will bring about his return quite quickly. Now there's a time period for his injection to work which I think is about a week, then we will see how he is."

Wissa has now played his part in two 11 vs 11 games behind the scenes and Howe will assess his suitability for the clash with Burnley. The DR Congo star has yet to feature for the Magpies but could be on the bench on Saturday.

He said: "He's getting closer. We did an 11 v 11 game, sort of for him on Wednesday. That was good, more minutes for him. Round about half an hour, and he did well.

"We will see how he is today.

"He's looked good and come through everything. I always say in these situations that we have more training today and we have to make a decision on whether he is ready to not just be fit, but be fit to make a difference and perform to his highest levels."

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Eddie Howe's side host Burnley in Saturday's Premier League match

The nature of Newcastle United's draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night made it feel very much like a draw.

Two leads thrown away, a dismally unambitious Spurs side scoring with their only two efforts on target, the second of those a bobbling overhead kick which somehow made its way into the net . . . those trooping out of St James' Park looked like their side had just been on the wrong end of a thrashing.

The truth is far different. Newcastle have picked up seven points from the last nine available in the Premier League, including beating title hopefuls Manchester City and recording a superb 4-1 away win at an Everton side who are finding form themselves right now.

Win, lose or draw, there is little time to reflect on the last game before the next comes quickly into focus, and while Eddie Howe and his coaching staff will want to drill down on where things didn't quite go right against Spurs, it's now all about Burnley on Saturday.

Could United have a better fixture to shake off their midweek lethargy? With the exception of Wolves, who are still looking for a new manager bounce since Rob Edwards walked out on Middlesbrough to join the Moilneux side, no one has less points than Scott Parker's men.

That's not to write them off. They have notched up three wins this season after all, but only one of those came away from Turf Moor against, you've guessed it, Wolves.

The Clarets recorded a 3-2 win at Molineux in October to claim their only points on the road so far.

Even Newcastle, who until that performance the Hill Dickinson last weekend had failed to win on the road, had least picked up three draws on their travels.

Seeing newly-promoted sides struggle away from home is no surprise, and Burnley will very much hope their performances at Turf Moor are enough to keep them up, but Newcastle should be licking their lips in anticipation.

Because not only do Burnley frequently lose away, they've also conceded a rather spectacular 21 goals in the process.

We don't need Rachel Riley to tell us that it's an average of three goals per game over the seven they've played. By contrast, they've only conceded six at home.

What must Newcastle do to take advantage? For a start, they must get their set-pieces right.

They were dreadful from deadball situations on Tuesday night, a marked contrast from the win at Everton.

That first-minute goal from Malick Thiaw meant the Toffees were up against it before some in the ground had taken their seats, but a series of corners against Spurs were wasted.

No one is suggesting Burnley will just turn up expecting defeat on Saturday, far from it, but Newcastle must ensure they take every opportunity to get the game won early, and that means making the most of set-pieces.

Newcastle scouted Mohammed Kudus but went a different way in the summer

If things had worked out differently in the summer, Mohammed Kudus could have been lining up in a black and white shirt when Tottenham Hotspur came to Tyneside.

On the evidence of last night, it may have been something they should have pursued.

The battle between Lewis Hall and Kudus was one of the most intriguing match-ups of the game. Hall is in fine form and for the first 30 minutes his aggression in defence and forward running were too much for the Spurs winger.

Newcastle looked dangerous down their left flank. Hall and Harvey Barnes were strong in the press, forceful and powerful on the break and Kudus was offering little protection to his full-back Pedro Porro.

Gradually, however, the Ghana international began to show why he cost £55million in the summer - and why Newcastle looked hard at him for a second time, having heavily scouted the wide man in when he was at Ajax before deciding against a move as he joined West Ham United instead.

As Newcastle looked to bring in a right-winger in the summer to replace Miguel Almiron, Kudus was on the shortlist, along with the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo. He was available, with West Ham desperate to move him on, but United ultimately rejected the chance to sign the 25-year-old.

Instead, plumped for Anthony Elanga, a different type of profile to Kudus. The Swede is more explosive but lacks the subtlety of the Spurs man.

Kudus' attributes were very much in evidence at St James' Park. In a game where Spurs didn't create too much, his trickery and crossing ability were their main threat.

No player has more assists in the Premier League this season and the Ghana star showed why. He turned Hall inside out before delivering a right-footed cross that Lucas Bergvall flicked onto the roof of the net in the first half and then whipped in a brilliant left-footed cross for Romero's first goal, his fifth assist of the season.

Hall will be disappointed with his role in that goal. He could have got tighter and stopped the cross but the execution by the Ghanaian was top drawer.

Hall stuck to his task but again showed signs of fatigue late on in the contest as he continues to push himself back to full fitness after a disrupted campaign.

The World Cup is the carrot dangling for the left-back, with an England spot up for grabs. Kudus will be showing his skills off on the biggest stage at all having fired Ghana to the tournament last month.

In what has been a tough season for Spurs, their £55m man has been something of a shining light. In contrast, Newcastle's own summer signing for the same position has yet to win over the Newcastle fans.

It was a surprise, after his best game in a Newcastle shirt at Everton on Saturday, that Elanga was relegated back to the bench rather than being given the chance to build on that performance and add some momentum to his game. When he did eventually step into the game as a replacement for Jacob Murphy, his contribution was fitful.

While Anthony Gordon, his fellow 66th minute sub in a double move by Howe, was instantly involved, having a hand in the opening goal and then scoring a penalty, Elanga was on the periphery once more. He had 15 touches compared to Gordon's 13, but put just one cross in and his pass completion rate of 75% was the lowest of any Newcastle player.

Eddie Howe values physicality, speed and power but last night was a game where Newcastle needed more guile, craft and control. A player they rejected showed exactly what they were missing.

A Newcastle United season ticket holder tells how his brand new Volvo was scratched by away fans that chanted at him after game

A group of singing Spurs supporters damaged cars belonging to Toon fans after their team's dramatic draw at St James' Park.

Newcastle United season ticket holder Peter Drummond said he was sitting in his brand new leased Volvo when it, and the car in front of him, were deliberately scratched moments after the chanting away supporters walked by. The pub landlord told ChronicleLive he had been parked on Diana Street, in Newcastle City Centre, and after leaving the ground when he encountered the travelling Tottenham Hotspur reporters.

And today, after reporting the damage to Northumbria Police and Tottenham Hotspur FC , Peter has spoken of his anger.

The 55-year-old said: "It's just pathetic. It's just senseless destruction. It's just very frustrating. I don't understand them representing their football club then doping that. It's an embarrassment."

Peter had been at the game, which finished 2-2, with his 18-year-old son. After the match they decided to sit in the car and listen to the radio for a while until the traffic died down. And that was when he saw the away fans.

"I have parked there many times before," Peter explained. "We got into the car the traffic was shocking so we sat in the car listening to Talk Sport and talking about the game.

"There was a group of maybe 30 or 40 Spurs fans walking along the pavement they were all singing. They didn't seem malicious at all," he said. "There was a line of parked cars along the pavement. They were singing 'Champions of Europe you will never sing that'. I just smiled at them as they walked past, there was no issue."

But Peter then noticed a man get out the car parked in front of him, who told him both their vehicles had been vandalised. And when he got out he discovered a huge scratch from front to back.

"The guy in front of us got out his car and tapped on my window and said; 'I think they have keyed all the cars'," he said. "The guy in front of us was driving a Jaguar and his car was scratched. Then there was a couple of girls driving out who had scratches on their car.

"If I had heard them doing it I would have got out the car and had a go at them. Then I thought, what did they do it with? Did they do it with a knife? I could just see it was a sharp point. It could have been nasty."

Peter, who runs The Engine Inn, in Walbottle, Newcastle, is furious that any football fans would target rival supporters in such a way.

"We are very lucky in Newcastle. I have had a season ticket for 20 years and I can count on one hand the amount of times I have seen any trouble," he said. "It's just senseless. It's a brand new car. I've only had it three days."

ChronicleLive understands Northumbria Police has received reports of two vehicles being damaged on Diana Street and are due to speak to the drivers in the coming days.

United twice threw away the lead to draw 2-2 with Tottenham at St James' Park

When the guns fell silent, the dust settled, and the light faded and dimmed over the battlefield it had boiled down to who managed to stay true to their reputation.

Tottenham Hotspur arrived at our door with the exact opposite credentials to Newcastle - shocking at home, excellent away. While United had reeled off six successive victories before their faithful, Spurs were third top of the away form table (only one defeat in six) but second bottom at home (one win in seven).

Tottenham fans had been doubting Thomas (Frank) but relieved of the toxic atmosphere on home territory it was them who stayed true to nature whereas United failed to close out the game.

However truth be told it was not about what they did but what we didn't. The defending of hard-earned leads was pathetic. United showed as much discipline and resistance as a kite in a high wind. They were all over the place. This wasn't the elite play of a Champions League side but the chaos of a Sunday morning kickabout.

Eddie Howe, ever the diplomat, nevertheless accepted United's frailty afterwards admitting: "We are disappointed with the first goal, it was a standard cross and we haven't defended it well enough. The second one, we didn't deal with the first contact then didn't stop the overhead kick. Somehow it went in. It's a painful one for us to take."

No names mentioned of course because it is always a collective affair with United's boss and not individual but here goes. Dan Burn criminally let returning skipper Cristian Romero get across him on the first while the chaos on the injury-time equaliser began with Aaron Ramsdale getting a weak punch on a corner with five of the nine added minutes gone.

Romero helped himself to a second with a bicycle kick that came off his shin and somehow bobbled agonisingly into the net. First passed sub Fabian Schar, then through the legs of Malick Thiaw, then beyond Burn with Ramsdale diving late like a felled oak. It was only the second and final Spurs effort on target and was the third time desperately late goals at SJP have denied the Mags. All in all a catalogue of crime.

If United's fans, who had bayed for Nick Pope to be dropped as had we all, craved Ramsdale to showcase his credentials before 50,000 of their own then this was an opportunity missed. Frankly he produced little that encouraged confidence and he needs to quickly forget about an poor night and move on to another home game on Saturday.

Sadly the two goals undid all the good work in twice getting ahead. Subs are supposed to make an impact and, boy, did United's. Skipper Bruno, on at half-time, struck a delightful first opening up his body to meet a Nick Woltemade knock back and then when United were awarded a somewhat controversial penalty which took VAR and the referee an eternity to award Anthony Gordon showed commendable courage and calmness.

While the ref and all the players huddled round the video screen Gordon stood alone in the penalty area, the ball under his arm. Spurs keeper then attempted to unsettle nerves even further by refusing to get back onto his line but all to no avail. Gordon's shot was as straight as an arrow into the heart.

Nevertheless United wasted two terrific opportunities. First to close out three successive PL wins ridding themselves of the accusation that the only consistency they show is inconsistency and at the same time wasting the fact that a victory would have meant United topping last season's figures.

It would have put them on 21 points from 14 games compared to 20 from the same number of matches last campaign when they went on to enjoy a stirring campaign of achievement winning their first domestic trophy in 70 years and qualifying for the Champions League.

Still all is not doom and gloom, just frustrating and disappointing. United are still only a point behind the 2024-25 total and can wipe out the latest bitter taste by defeating relegation threatened Burnley at SJP on Saturday.

They had been so bright early doors against a Tottenham side always likely to go Spursy. Lewis Hall had looked a class act, Woltemade's flicks and tricks were coming off at this stage, and Harvey Barnes was the bright spark he has been of late. Afterwards Gordon and especially Bruno were enterprising but when you defend like a chocolate fireguard then you live with danger and so it proved.

Burney must now be put to the sword, regardless of the homecoming of Martin Dubravka. No more ricks, only positivity.

There were angry scenes on the pitch as emotions boiled over at full-time

Newcastle United's anger and frustration spilled over at full-time after the threw away more Premier League points in devastating fashion.

The Magpies had been on course for a crucial three points before they were stunned by Cristian Romero's stoppage-time equaliser with a stunning bicycle kick after Newcastle failed to properly deal with a set piece.

And Romero's celebration sparked a bust-up at St James' Park after he had mimicked Newcastle skipper Bruno Guimaraes. The Spurs captain scored both of the goals for the visitors.

Guimaraes broke the deadlock in the 71st minute, but Romero quickly hit back. Spurs looked destined for back-to-back defeats until a moment of magic from the defender rescued a point in the 95th minute.

Romero then walked behind the goal, replicating Guimaraes' celebration - placing his hands over his ears before pointing to his name on the back of his shirt.

The celebration prompted a fierce reaction from Newcastle players at the full-time whistle, with disrespect believed to be the issue. It saw plenty of pushing and shoving take place before the players were eventually separated, with Joelinton and Guimaraes having made their feelings known to Romero in particular.

It was a South American spat with the Brazil duo confronting the Argentine. Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario had his say after coming up the field while Tottenham players intervened to stop Romero getting further involved, before taking the acclaim from their travelling fans high up in Level 7.

VAR anger and UFC claim

Newcastle had looked to have won the game following a highly contentious penalty award. Referee Thomas Bramall was sent to the pitchside monitor after VAR spotted Rodrigo Bentancur holding Dan Burn in the penalty box as the hosts took a corner.

It looked like a tussle between the two players in the box as they both fell to the ground and, despite the official not giving the penalty initially, the Spurs midfielder was punished after the review. It delighted Newcastle, but if it had been given the other way there would have been outrage inside St James'.

Premier League match manager said on X the penalty had been awarded because Bentancur "clearly does not look at the ball" while committing a "holding offence".

Thomas Frank hit out after the game, saying: "For me it's never a penalty. Even speaking to some from Newcastle, who didn't think it's a penalty.

"And we need the consistency. Because that penalty, that would be given two times a game. And I think the referee call on the pitch nailed it. And VAR can only be if it's clear and obvious."

Former Tottenham and Newcastle defender Jonathan Woodgate, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, said: "Dan Burn climbed all over him. It's like a heavyweight UFC fighter against a featherweight."

Set-piece shambles

The fact that the Spurs equaliser came from a set-play came as little surprise. Newcastle struggled all night from deadball situations, both defensively and in attack. The first half in particular saw poor delivery from Sandro Tonali and Lewis Hall and it didn't improve much after the interval.

It was a point not lost on Howe afterwards when he addressed the media.

"I don’t think we were particularly good on set plays in either box," he lamented. "A far cry from the set piece dominance we enjoyed in the win over Everton.”

25 pictures of Newcastle fans as Magpies suffer late heartbreak against Spurs  Chronicle Live

Bruno Guimaraes did not hide his anger after the 2-2 draw with Spurs - but things must change for United sooner rather than later

Newcastle United skipper Bruno Guimaraes did not look like he was in the mood to talk things over with this team-mates after coming off the bench to set the Magpies up for what would have been a valuable home win against Spurs.

Had Newcastle held on to their slender 2-1 lead at St James' Park, they would have climbed to seventh place and been within swinging distance of Sunderland who face Liverpool away tonight. Instead, they slipped back down to 13th place with inconsistency hurting United's chances of a top five finish again this season.

Bruno had came off the bench and edged Newcastle ahead with 19 minutes left in front of a relieved Gallowgate End. Holding on to 1-0 would have been sweet enough on a night when United squandered chances.

But after Cristian Romero's first equaliser, the Magpies seemed determined to do it the hard way and thought they had. On 86 minutes Anthony Gordon's penalty should have been enough but instead the stage was set for a dramatic late collapse as Romero scored again on 95 minutes.

Newcastle could not see the game out, and Bruno, who wears his heart on his sleeve, could not get down the tunnel quickly enough. The livid expression on his face said it all as the skipper did not want to share the agony with those around him.

Perhaps his post-game media duties could be deemed a get out, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that Guimaraes is frustrated with his team's lack of game management. After all, that was the FIFTH stoppage time goal conceded this term.

He told Premier League productions after the game: "I’m very unhappy. We cannot concede a bicycle goal in the last minute in our box. We lost two important points tonight at home.

"I feel like we’ve lost the game. My goal was a great moment. But I would swap that goal - I would change everything for the three points tonight.

"Everyone had to defend as if their lives depended upon it. I feel sad. I feel unhappy for the fans. It’s not the way I want us to play. Everyone is disappointed in there."

Aaron Ramsdale's brutal moment

The former Arsenal man is back between the posts for Newcastle as he looks to seize his opportunity with Nick Pope out until Boxing Day.

But unlike the League Cup win over Spurs, when he made a string of great stops, the post-game stats showed he'd failed to make a single save at St James' for the return of Thomas Frank's side.

Spurs had two shots on target and scored two goals. Ramsdale's main contribution was a decision to come for a cross but push it straight into the path of Romero.

What unfolded next only he will know as Newcastle went down like dominoes in the penalty area. A week on from Pope's error in Marseille, Ramsdale's failure to collect or clear sums up what a brutal world it can be for keepers.

Newcastle can't hold a lead

And so the Magpies blew it again after going in front against Spurs. But not for the first time this season they could not hold on to it.

Just like against Liverpool and Arsenal at home, Newcastle wasted a chance to take a victory in the top flight. It is also a recent thing for Howe though and a problem he must get to grips with.

At West Ham, Brentford and Marseille, Newcastle failed to go on and win the game. It is a habit and one United need to stamp out soon.

Five things we learned from Newcastle's 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur

Newcastle United looked all set to make it three Premier League wins on the spin when they led Tottenham Hotspur deep into injury time, only to concede late to come away with a 2-2 draw.

Cristian Romero's double earned Spurs a point, cancelling out Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon goals. It was a night of deep frustration for Eddie Howe and his players.

Here are five things we learned from the game.

Eddie Howe hits out at team

It's rare for Howe to have a pop at his players but his post-match press conference saw him come as close to it as he ever will.

The Magpies manager was very downbeat after seeing his side throw away another victory. He called out his players' inability to control the game after they went ahead late on, the way they turned over possession and their defending and attacking from set pieces.

"We lost territory and the ability to get up the pitch. It's something for us to look at," was one comment. "I don't think we were particularly good on set plays in either box," was another.

There was a lot of implied criticism in the immediate aftermath of what was a draw, but felt like a defeat. You sense stern words will be had when the squad returns to training.

Sunderland concern

The Wear-Tyne derby is on everyone's mind. There may still be games to be played between now and the big December 14 date but it's still dominating thoughts, from who may be suspended to what the points difference will be.

Sunderland have stolen an unexpected march on their rivals this season but with tough away games against Liverpool tonight (Wednesday) and Man City on Saturday, United fans were dreaming of reeling them in and even going into the derby ahead in the table.

As the Spurs game entered stoppage time that was entirely plausible. Newcastle were up to seventh, a point behind sixth-placed Sunderland before Wednesday's fixtures. But the late leveller means they are back down in 13th and still three points adrift.

Of equal concern will be the late concession of goals. Especially given the Black Cats 'Til The End' motto which has seen them score on numerous occasions in the latter parts of games.

Bruno's home run continues

He was supposed to be rested but Bruno Guimaraes showed you can't keep him out of the limelight for long. Being left out of the starting line-up didn't seem to faze the skipper as he laughed and joked his way through the warm-up, displaying all the infectious enthusiasm that has made him such a favourite.

Guimaraes was called upon earlier than perhaps he and Howe expected. Sandro Tonali's first-half knock meant he didn't reappear after the break, and it didn't take his replacement long to make his mark. With Newcastle seeking inspiration, Bruno fired home a superbly-placed effort on 71 minutes to open the scoring.

He's the darling of the Gallowgate, and has now been involved in 12 goals in his last 20 home Premier League games, scoring (three) or assisting (one) in each of his last four matches at St James' Park.

Century up but one stat is worrying

Newcastle's record against Tottenham is very good. Anthony Gordon's penalty was the 100th Premier League goal the Magpies have scored against Spurs, the first team they have racked up a century against.

It should have been enough to beat Thomas Frank's side who came into the game on a downer after a poor display against Fulham, but the visitors showed their fighting spirit, charging into challenges and leaving their mark on Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Tino Livramento.

Newcastle had won five of their last six games against Spurs and when Gordon gave them the lead again on 86 minutes they should have seen it through. The only stat that matters now is the one that says Newcastle have thrown away 11 points from winning positions this season already.

Burn shoves Schar

Dan Burn's position in this Newcastle squad was being questioned not too long ago. On the eve of the Champions League clash against Athletic Bilbao, he was up before the media stressing that he had not only been playing well but reminding everyone that his best position is centre-half; that's where he was playing when he won Player of the Season.

The suspension after the Brentford red card saw Fabian Schar come in as the left-sided centre-half alongside Malick Thiaw. The duo contained Erling Haaland and Schar kept his place for the Marseille clash, albeit with Burn instantly recalled in a back five.

But with Howe reverting to a four-man defence at Everton, it was a toss up between the Swiss star and the man from Blyth. Burn got the nod. In his programme notes pre-match, Burn said: "I enjoyed going back to centre-half, having played left-back for a while."

He kept his place for the Spurs game, captaining the side as well. He will be disappointed with the way he allowed Romero to get ahead of him for Tottenham's first goal but with Sven Botman injured, Burn and Thiaw are now nailed down as Howe's preferred defensive partnership.