Eddie Howe: Newcastle Slump Has Dented Confidence Ahead of Arsenal Clash
From Champions League to 14th: Eddie Howe admits Newcastle’s confidence is gone. Gordon misses Arsenal trip with hip injury as Howe warns of summer changes.
Eddie Howe concedes Newcastle have 'lost a bit of confidence' during poor run...
Newcastle United’s squad have lost confidence amid a poor run of results, Eddie Howe said Friday, as the out-of-form Premier League side get ready to visit title-chasing Arsenal without injured winger Anthony Gordon.
Newcastle are winless in four across all competitions, with three straight Premier League defeats sending them down to 14th and effectively ending any chance of European qualification next season after this year’s Champions League campaign.
“We've lost a little bit of confidence, I think that was clear against Bournemouth on Saturday. With the recent results we've had and just the way things have fallen against us, players aren't playing to their maximum level. You can see that,” Howe told reporters.
“We've got some very, very good players in the squad that are underperforming and you can't put a figure on how confidence can damage the individuals.
“My job this week has been to support the players, to help the players, hopefully deliver some good work for them, then try and help them figure out how we can get back - individually and collectively - to our best levels.”
But Howe confirmed Gordon will be unavailable after the 17-goal forward missed the Bournemouth game and sat out training all week with a hip injury.
“Again, not a serious injury but not in time for this game. Hopefully, the next one,” Howe said.
Gordon’s absence creates another selection issue up top for Howe, with record signing Nick Woltemade omitted from recent lineups despite being fit and available.
“It is difficult because our centre forwards have been productive. Anthony Gordon played up front, he was scoring as the number nine and now Will Osula has come in and scored as a number nine,” Howe explained.
“It is difficult, you have to reward players for what they deliver and at the moment I have gone with a different option to Nick. There is no problem with his fitness, when he plays he has to do the same and try and deliver the goals we need.”
Howe pulled no punches on the fallout from more poor displays, warning that a big summer shake-up could follow if results stay the same.
Eddie Howe on the team mentality:
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) April 24, 2026
"The spirit in the group is good, even though it is not the same feeling as when you’re winning. It’s clear there’s been challenges for us, but I don’t see a group that is any way switched off and not ready to play. We know we need to perform,… pic.twitter.com/TBExjJu2QB
“If the team is not performing then there will be bigger changes in the summer than previously. You have to react to what you see. That goes on, on a weekly, daily basis behind the scenes,” he said.
“I think the players will expect that, there is a responsibility to try and be at your best. That falls on me as well to deliver the best I can for the players and the staff. It goes with the territory.”
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