Eddie Howe picks apart Newcastle's problems - and three positives from Forest

Newcastle's inability to hold onto a lead continued on Sunday, as Elliot Anderson's late strike ended any faint European hopes in a 1-1 draw.

It wasn't a great performance by any means, but it should've been an away win that kept us in with a puncher's chance of sneaking into the top eight heading into the final two games of the season.

Instead, it's more dropped points from winning positions (27 in total) and the 20th goal we've conceded in the last 15 minutes of games this season, highlighting our biggest issue of 2025/26.

After hinting that Anthony Gordon's future may lie elsewhere after the game, Eddie Howe discussed where it went wrong at the City Ground, signs of improvement and positive cameos from Jacob Ramsey and Harvey Barnes.

Howe: We didn't capitalise in big moments

While so much of the post-match focus has been on another late goal conceded, Eddie Howe has bemoaned our inability to kill off Nottingham Forest at 1-0 up.

Will Osula struck the bar and Bruno Guimaraes had a few openings to make certain of the victory, leaving the boss frustrated at our lack of cutting edge before Forest's late strike broke what had been a solid defensive display in the main.

"Second half, we scored a great goal from our perspective and then was in the position to win the game. It's happened too many times this season where we haven't followed through and defended well enough."

"I don't think there was any sign of that [Forest] goal coming, we defended pretty well overall but in a moment we've conceded."

"We did have a number of chances. That's the other way to defend - to score a second and third goal, and that's something we've been good at over the years.

"We had some big moments before and after we scored. Their goalkeeper made some good saves, but we'll probably look at that with a different eye when we review it and see we could've been more clinical. I thought we were good between both boxes and a lot of positives, but ultimately we're disappointed to draw.

Not only have Newcastle dropped 27 points from winning positions this term, but we've also picked up just three points from losing positions. Combine both, and it's easy to see why fans are questioning the team's character.

Positives to take, insists Howe 

The result will dominate our thoughts, but there are a few positives to take from Sunday's game, with Jacob Ramsey and Harvey Barnes both making an impact from the bench.

Howe hailed Ramsey's cameo as "magnificent", as he set up our goal with a perfectly weighted pass, while Barnes' finish was his 16th of the season in all competitions.

Additionally, Howe feels there was a better energy, focus and commitment to our display, believing we've seen this in recent outings against Arsenal, Brighton and Nottingham Forest, albeit with mixed results.

"The last three games have been a lot better. Better energy, focus and the players have been committed. We've had mixed results in those games, but performances have been good."

“I thought Jacob Ramsey was magnificent when he came on [against Forest], I really thought he made a big difference. As was Harvey. It’s great to see players stepping up and grabbing their opportunities when they come on.

“I think we have to try to look to the future now and see what the new team is going to look like next year, I think that is our duty now.”

Positives can be taken, even at this late stage, but it's three points that we needed to keep this frustrating league season alive.