Eddie Howe Admits Newcastle Have Fallen Behind Surprise Premier League Rivals

Eddie Howe has challenged Newcastle United to end their season on a positive note by finishing above fierce North-East rivals Sunderland in the final Premier League standings.

Newcastle travel to Craven Cottage for their final fixture of the 2025/26 campaign knowing victory over Fulham, combined with a Sunderland defeat against Chelsea, would see the Magpies leapfrog their regional rivals and deal a major blow to the Black Cats’ hopes of European qualification.

After suffering two painful defeats to Régis Le Bris’ Sunderland side earlier this season, Howe acknowledged the damaging impact those results had on both Newcastle’s campaign and the mood surrounding the club.

Howe Reflects on Sunderland Setbacks

Speaking ahead of the trip to London, Howe admitted the derby defeats significantly altered perceptions of Newcastle’s season.

“The two defeats against Sunderland really hurt our season,” Howe said.

“They hurt the feeling around what we were doing. Those were the results that really changed perception, and we only have ourselves to blame for that.”

The Newcastle manager also stressed the importance of ending the campaign above their bitter rivals if the opportunity presents itself.

“We would love to finish above anybody in the Premier League — anyone we can,” he added.

“Of course, Sunderland means so much to everyone within our supporter base, so it would be something we would love to achieve if possible.”

Surprise Rivals Leave Newcastle Playing Catch-Up

While Newcastle secured Champions League qualification last season, this campaign has exposed how quickly the competitive landscape in the Premier League can change.

Rather than building on last year’s success, Howe’s side have watched clubs such as Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford and AFC Bournemouth move ahead of them in the table.

The Newcastle boss admitted the narrow margins throughout the division have punished any drop in standards.

“I think the Premier League has been incredibly tight this year,” Howe explained.

“With just a couple more wins, we would have been much closer to the positions we wanted to be in.

“The lesson is that you cannot take anybody lightly. In this league, there are no guaranteed games anymore, as perhaps there were in previous seasons.”

Howe also acknowledged that every club in the division is constantly evolving behind the scenes in an attempt to gain a competitive advantage.

“Every club prides itself on trying to be smarter than the next one,” he said.

“I think we have definitely improved off the pitch, but there is still a long way for us to go.”

Crucial Summer Awaits Newcastle

With Newcastle preparing for a pivotal summer transfer window, Howe confirmed internal discussions regarding recruitment plans and financial backing are already taking place.

The former Bournemouth manager has repeatedly described Newcastle’s rise as a long-term project, but there is increasing pressure for the club to accelerate its progress after an inconsistent campaign.

“I have been saying for a long time now that the work is ongoing, and it continues to move forward,” Howe said.

“I’m not fully aware of all the reports that have emerged this week, so I’m probably not the best person to comment on them directly.

“But progress will come eventually. I understand the frustration because everyone wants success to arrive quicker. We all want that because it would take the club to a completely different level.”

Despite the impatience surrounding the club’s development, Howe insisted supporters may still need to remain patient as Newcastle continue building for the future.

“Patience is probably not a word people want to hear right now,” he admitted.

“But I do believe it is necessary at this moment.”