NEWCASTLE IN CRISIS MODE: EDDIE HOWE SUMMONS EMERGENCY TEAM SHOWDOWN WITH SHOCK DEMAND THAT COULD RIP SQUAD APART – PLAYERS STUNNED!

Eddie Howe has called on his Newcastle United players to take full responsibility for their performance in the defeat to West Ham United, insisting that accountability is key if the team is to bounce back quickly.

The Magpies’ head coach plans to speak with his players about whether they felt their individual and collective displays met the required standards at the London Stadium, where they squandered an early lead and ultimately left empty-handed.

The focus now shifts from domestic disappointment to European ambitions, as Newcastle prepare to welcome Athletic Bilbao to St. James’ Park in the Champions League.

However, before attention turns to that clash, Howe has made it clear that he expects a strong reaction and honesty from his squad following Sunday’s setback.

The Hammers could scarcely believe their fortune as Newcastle retreated after going ahead, failing to sustain their intensity on what was meant to be a turbulent day for the East London side.

Instead, Howe’s men fell apart just days after the jubilation of knocking Tottenham Hotspur out of the Carabao Cup.

The positive energy from that midweek victory quickly evaporated, leaving Newcastle looking flat and uninspired.

Speaking to Chronicle Live, Howe said: “However their faces are when they come in, I want to see a response, and I want to see honesty.

That’s what we have built our success on — that quality of honesty.

If the players know they didn’t reach their standards, then it’s about putting it right together. We’ll work on that as a group.

“It’s really important we don’t overreact to one bad performance, but it’s equally important that we are truthful with one another.”

Club legend Alan Shearer was among those who criticized the display, describing Newcastle as “lethargic” — a surprising observation considering several key players were rested for the Carabao Cup tie earlier in the week.

Asked whether his side had the right mindset going into the West Ham game, Howe admitted his surprise at how events unfolded.

“I saw the focus before the match,” he said. “I didn’t see this coming. Sometimes you get a sense that things aren’t quite right, but I genuinely felt we were ready to perform.

That’s football — unpredictable, fascinating, and sometimes frustrating. You’re always chasing that sweet spot where everything clicks.”

He added: “The game can turn so quickly. Things have gone against us fast, so now we have to flip it back just as quickly.”

Finally, Howe had words of sympathy for Newcastle’s travelling supporters, many of whom endured serious disruptions and distress following the LNER train stabbing incident on their return journey.

“I know it’s been incredibly difficult,” he said. “We didn’t give them a performance that matched their commitment, and we’re determined to put that right.”