North East Football TV Podcast

What else can be written about Newcastle United this season? Consistently inconsistent, promising on occasion, and more recently, rather abject. The culmination of all of that meant that ahead of the visit of Brighton and Hove Albion to St. James’ Park on a delightful May afternoon, the Magpies could still finish as high as sixth but as low as 18th. One extreme would potentially bring a return to the Champions League, whilst the other would mean relegation. The phrase ‘it’s all to play for’ seemed appropriate here.Of course, given how poor Newcastle have been in recent weeks, supporters have been looking down the table rather than up it, a sad indictment of just how uninspiring the Magpies’ league campaign has become. That made the victory that followed both sweet and relieving in equal measure, but it was one that came about thanks to a return to Newcastle’s “old warriors”, as one journalist described them, to which Howe agreed.“I went with players I can really trust and can handle the pressure”, Howe made clear, with the likes of Dan Burn, Jacob Murphy and Joe Willock all picked from the start. The selection paid off as Newcastle won 3-1, with grit shown by those players. In attack, Howe had again opted for William Osula, someone who the Head Coach stated he would “definitely like to keep” at the club. Howe commented that Osula is “a player of really rich promise”, adding that “a lot of work and time has gone into his development”, which in the last few weeks has started to shine through. It was his opener that ultimately set the tone for Newcastle to claim the three points.Prior to that, there was definite tension inside of St. James’ Park in the opening minutes as Brighton moved the ball around in comfortable fashion. Carlos Baleba’s effort that struck the top of the crossbar did nothing to calm the nerves, although Osula was starting to show glimpses at the other end.A glimpse was all Osula needed to make it one-nil. The ball was switched towards Jacob Murphy, with Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen charging out in an attempt to dispossess him. Instead, Verbruggen made a complete mess of things, allowing Murphy to pick out Osula in the middle, who headed into the empty net. Such is the erratic nature of the young Danish forward, as the ball flew through the air towards him there was trepidation even in that split second, but Osula proved he had ice in his veins.Soon it was two, when Dan Burn headed home a Bruno Guimarães corner from the left. Burn’s inclusion at left back over Lewis Hall had been questioned by some prior to Arsenal the week previous, and again against Brighton, but Burn perhaps justified his place in the team with that header.Of course nothing is ever straight forward with Newcastle United. Whether that is trying to win a cup, qualify for the Champions League, announce plans for a new training ground or stadium, or more recently, keep a clean sheet. Given all of that, Brighton pulling a goal back just after the hour mark felt like an inevitability. It came from Jack Hinshelwood, who darted into the box to score with a great finish past Nick Pope, with the Newcastle keeper having distributed a poor kick out just moments earlier.The final exchanges were nervy. Brighton came forward and should have equalised when Yankuba Minteh blazed over the bar at the back post with the goal gaping. That was a let off. There were certainly tired legs starting to show in black and white, but as if energised by the crowd who were ready to erupt at the sound of the final whistle, Newcastle started to attack themselves. Yoane Wissa had a chance, as did Joelinton, but it took Wissa to dispossess Jan Paul van Hecke, before squaring to Harvey Barnes to seal the deal.On the touch line there was relief from Eddie Howe as he was swamped by coaching staff and players. He has needed that moment, that feeling for so long now. Brighton may have “dominated” in stages according to Head Coach Fabian Hürzeler, who was frustrated that his side did not take more of their chances, but sometimes football comes down to small moments of emotion, which is exactly how it felt as Barnes’ shot hit the net. Eddie Howe will sleep well tonight, he said so himself following the match. He also revealed that he had woken up the night before with anxiety, simply hoping that his players delivered a good performance against Brighton. Overall, it wasn’t perfect, but it was enough. Enough for Newcastle United, and enough for Eddie Howe, for now. Get full access to North East Football TV at www.northeastfootballtv.com/subscribe

There is no denying that Sunderland have established themselves as a mid-table Premier League side. They are in no danger of relegation, and ahead of kick off against Nottingham Forest, remained just about in contention for European qualification come the end of the season.However, despite Régis Le Bris’ insistence that Sunderland are remaining focused and persistent, based on the simply damming evidence of the events that unfolded at the Stadium of Light, it would appear that his players have their sun-hats on and sand between their toes, perhaps sipping a cool drink in a glass with a mini umbrella.Nice for some, but certainly not nice for Régis Le Bris. The quite astonishing 0-5 loss left him visibly hurt, frustrated and annoyed - all in equal measure. He said that “it wasn’t the face we wanted to show” following the full time whistle.“This is not Sunderland” was his next sentence, which felt right. Knowing what to say after such a heavy defeat is not easy, but Le Bris picked his words well.He let his players unpick their wounds in the dressing room post match, with “responsibility” being the key word used. Once the dust had settled, Le Bris made clear that he “set the narrative, to say where we are, who we are.” There was no such soul searching in the dressing room next door, however. Nottingham Forest Head Coach Vitor Pereira described his side’s display as “fantastic”, before repeating the adjective to fully hammer home just how pleased he was with his players.He said that safety in the Premier League still required more points, but that result has certainly put huge pressure on Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United. With the ability to put in performances like that though, Forest should not have anything to worry about.Admittedly, the away sides’ opener was fortuitous, but not necessarily undeserved. Both sides had had chances in what had been an end-to-end first quarter. Following a short corner, Omari Hutchinson delivered a ball to the back post, where Igor Jesus looked to head back across goal. Instead, the ball ricocheted off his marker Trai Hume, and past the helpless Robin Roefs and into the net.The goal, whilst unfortunate, will not have angered Le Bris as much as what followed. Sloppiness in possession, coupled with the defence being more open than the Red Sea with the influence of Moses, will certainly not have made for pleasant viewing on the touch line. That was when it was still at one-nil. Twenty minutes after the first, Forest were four goals to the good. Yes, four. Chris Wood grabbed the second after a poor pass from Roefs fell to Morgan Gibbs-White, who picked out Wood to finish. Then Gibbs-White himself got in on the act, lashing home unmarked, after Sunderland failed to clear a corner. Finally, Jesus got his goal, with this one being less of a miracle than Forest’s first. A well-struck side-footed volley was dispatched after the ball fell sweetly to him in the box.There were quite a few empty seats visible by the start of the second half. Those who remained in situ were perhaps dreaming of an improbable comeback, regardless of unlikely that may have been.Dan Ballard thought he’d pulled one back, only for VAR to recommend an on-field review to referee Darren England. Nordi Mukiele was adjudged to have fouled Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels just before Ballard headed home, and the goal was chalked off.The game fizzled out and became a non-event, as is often the case in matches where the first period has seen such one-sided dominance. Forest did manage to add a fifth right at the death, thanks to a strike from boyhood Newcastle fan Elliot Anderson. After what has been an incredibly difficult period for him after the loss of his mother, that goal will have tasted sweet.The only taste in the mouth of Régis Le Bris was a sour one. Nine goals have been let in by his side in two games, and he conceded that the “first signs” of this calamity against Forest came the previous weekend away at Aston Villa.He finished his answer by stating that “it’s important to reset and to accept that the level is high, and it’s always a big challenge to win games in the Premier League, and today we are not at that level.” Reset Sunderland must, and for now at least, put the passports away. Get full access to North East Football TV at www.northeastfootballtv.com/subscribe

No matter which way you look at it, Newcastle United have not been good enough in the Premier League in 2025/26. Individual errors, fatigue and injuries have all played a part, but crucially, there have been too many occurrences of the same issues causing them woe. The Magpies have looked rigid and predictable in attack, and incredibly leaky in defence; far too often they have been unable to hold onto a lead.Ahead of last weekend’s abject performance away at Crystal Palace, Head Coach Eddie Howe had looked flat, his body language telling the story of the season. And yet, before the visit of Bournemouth to Tyneside, he was reinvigorated, with no ambiguity in his answers when questioned about his future. Of course, talking is one thing and actions are another, and Howe needed his words to rub off on his players. In short, they did not.Another two-one defeat, this time not as a result of Newcastle leading and then throwing points away, but instead Bournemouth being vastly superior in the first half, and the Magpies fortuitously equalising in the second, before the inevitable. Howe described the performance as “nowhere near good enough”, which was putting it mildly.Newcastle were poor in every area of the pitch. The system that has brought them so much success and posed teams real threats, has become as dynamic as a sloth climbing up a tree. “Rigidity is something that we don’t coach at all - fluidity is, and I thought there were some really good bits again today up until the box”, Howe said. He may have seen them, but not many others did.The winning goal came five minutes from time (another predictable occurrence), Adrien Truffert firing home from close range after Newcastle failed to clear their lines in the box. Even after William Osula’s equaliser, which came only because Evanilson played the ball to the Danish forward which kept him onside, Newcastle never looked like going on to win.The Cherries’ soon-to-depart Head Coach, Andoni Iraola, was perhaps too complimentary of the Magpies, although he did admit that his side “played well”. He told his players “not to panic” after Newcastle drew level, ironic given that the home side were the only ones who looked unsure.It had been the case from minute one. Bournemouth’s opening goal came as a result of Newcastle’s hapless defence. It was not a particularly impressive goal, nor was it hugely well worked. Cherries winger Rayan managed to take the ball to the byline, and deliver a low ball across the face of goal, with Lewis Hall not able to prevent the cross. Arriving at the back post was Marcus Tavernier to bundle the ball home. Opponents scoring with such ease has become customary for Newcastle of late. The harsh truth is that teams do not have to play well to come up trumps against them. Prior to this match, Sunderland and Crystal Palace were effective in using a target man with runners off him, and Bournemouth utilised their strength in midfield and pace out wide to subdue the Magpies.“I can assure everybody that’s not what we work on, but it’s happening”, Howe conceded. He continued “whether that’s a lack of confidence, whether that’s a lack of feel in front of goal, it could always be those things. We’ve got some very good attacking players. I don’t doubt the quality.”Howe may not doubt the quality, but it remains absent, and whilst it does, Newcastle are on a slippery slope to disaster. Five games remain but it feels like fifty. Something has to change. Get full access to North East Football TV at www.northeastfootballtv.com/subscribe

Sunderland must improve in attacking areas according to Head Coach Régis Le Bris, following a one-nil win for his side against Tottenham Hotspur.Despite the victory, the Black Cats lacked composure in the final third, with their goal coming thanks to a deflected effort from Nordi Mukiele. They dominated proceedings but only won thanks to a slice of fortune.“It’s a question of execution”, Le Bris said, adding that “the last choice, the last pass, probably the presence in the box as well, we still have room for improvement”.Only two sides have scored fewer goals in the Premier League than Sunderland this season, with the Black Cats level with relegation bound Burnley on 33.This points to Sunderland’s defence having been strong enough to help them grind out results, which is true, but ultimately, struggling to score will be unsustainable.The lack of goals is clearly an issue Le Bris recognised, as he made clear that “we are working hard behind the scenes. It’s about small adjustments, but small adjustments at that level make the difference.”However, the Frenchman was also keen to point out that Sunderland “still have a young squad”. “They are intense, strong energy”, he continued, backing his players for the performances they have put in throughout the season, including in the win against Spurs. Despite the winning goal being fortuitous, for Sunderland to outplay and defeat one of the so-called ‘big six’ as a newly promoted side is certainly impressive, regardless of Spurs’ current relegation fears.It demonstrates again just how willing to fight Sunderland are, a trait which now sees them sitting in tenth place in the top flight table. There is no doubt that for a club who have returned to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs after eight seasons away, it has been a remarkable campaign. Le Bris and the club also have an upcoming transfer window to bolster their firepower, which may ease concerns about Sunderland’s goal scoring going into next season. Le Bris though, being the critical thinker he has proven himself to be, will want to solve the issue before then with the players he currently has at his disposal.If he is able to do that, then whatever attacking talent he adds to the squad will be better able to bed in to what will be a fluid and capable forward line. Le Bris said last week that it was too early to be thinking about the summer transfer window, but preparations will undoubtedly be occurring. Therefore, Sunderland will hope that both their on and off-field activity provides a higher strike rate next season. Get full access to North East Football TV at www.northeastfootballtv.com/subscribe

Sunderland Head Coach Régis Le Bris has suggested that the business done by the club in the summer transfer window will be determined by where Sunderland finish in the Premier League table.When asked by North East Football TV, Le Bris initially outlined that it was “a bit early” to talk about the upcoming summer window, but then made clear that “the club wants to grow”.Le Bris added that “the final result in the league we don’t know, but it’s about the next game, do your best, try to win, after that we’ll have another one, another exciting challenge, and so on, and we’ll see at the end of the season.”Whilst not an explicit admittance, Le Bris’ words convey that if Sunderland were to be playing in an extra competition next season, their summer business would be conducted with that in mind. Furthermore, it would appear that the club view qualification for another competition, say it quietly, a European one, as a distinct possibility given how the table lies at present.“It’s not the end of the cycle”, Le Bris said, referring to the summer window, and for Sunderland, it will instead be a chance to expand their squad further in terms of depth and quality, especially if they have more games to contend with.Whilst supporters of Sunderland will relish the chance to see their club attack the transfer window because of the need to improve to compete in Europe as well as domestically, those ambitions should be tempered with some caution.Sunderland are certainly not guaranteed to qualify for a continental competition, with other teams around them also harbouring the same ambitions. As a result, should the Black Cats only have domestic football to look forward to next season, their transfer policy will be different.To that end, Le Bris revealed that another key factor in influencing the club’s summer business, which will gain more prominence without Europe, will be taking into account some of the injuries suffered this season.“Every game, every part of the season is useful for the next transfer window, how we want to build the squad.”During this campaign, Sunderland have endured prolonged periods without some of their key players. Forward Brian Brobbey, midfielders Granit Xhaka and Habib Diarra, defenders Nordi Mukiele, Reinildo Mandava and Dan Ballard, as well as goalkeeper Robin Roefs, have all spent time on the sidelines because of injury. When those players were missing, Le Bris’ side was undoubtedly weaker, which was showcased by some of their performances and results. Therefore, even without Europe, Sunderland must strengthen those areas, especially given the fact that those below those aforementioned players in the pecking order are clearly not fancied by Le Bris.Sunderland navigated the summer transfer window well last summer, and even though Kristjaan Speakman is no longer at the club, with Florent Ghisolfi now pulling the strings as Director of Football alongside Le Bris, the Head Coach said that despite the market being unpredictable, “the strategy is clear”.The end to the season is shaping up to be an exciting one for Sunderland, beginning with the visit of a struggling Tottenham side to the Stadium of Light. There is clearly ambition, and a plan for if Sunderland do qualify for Europe in terms of incomings, supporters will certainly be appeased at the club being ready for the market regardless of the situation. Get full access to North East Football TV at www.northeastfootballtv.com/subscribe

Two of Newcastle United’s young players have shown their appreciation for Magpies’ Head Coach Eddie Howe, after both were afforded Champions League debuts last month.Alex Murphy and Leo Shahar, who are both full backs, played for the first time in Europe’s elite club competition last month at St. James’ Park, as Newcastle defeated Azerbaijani side, Qarabag FK.Murphy described Howe as “brilliant”, adding that despite the difficulty of not making many appearances, the support given by Howe and his staff has been extremely beneficial.“I’m still learning and training every day, and they’re always trying to help me”, Murphy made clear, highlighting the attention to detail that Howe has whilst coaching. Shahar, who has more recently made the jump into the first team picture, stated that he decided to sign for Newcastle United to experience “moments like this, making my debut in the Champions League”. For 19 year old Shahar, the chance to grasp such an opportunity was one he simply could not turn down, and one that would not have been possible if not for Eddie Howe.Since that victory against Qarabag, Howe has endured what has been without doubt, the most difficult period of his time in charge of Newcastle so far, following a 7-2 (8-3 on aggregate) loss at the Camp Nou against Barcelona, before a humiliating home loss against Sunderland, with the Black Cats completing a Premier League double over their North East neighbours.The full time whistle at St. James’ Park following Sunderland’s triumph brought many audible boos inside the stadium, with some on social media calling for Howe to be relieved of his duties.It is no secret that Newcastle’s Premier League form this season, has been below the standards set by Howe himself during the previous years of his tenure. The Magpies currently sit 12th in the table and are facing an uphill battle to qualify for any European competition. They are aided by those above them still being within touching distance, but Howe knows that he must find immediate solutions to the problems that have plagued Newcastle all season.Following that, comments made by the club’s CEO, David Hopkinson, have, to some extent, changed the narrative regarding Howe’s future at the club. Newcastle could move in a different direction in the summer, and if so, they must find a coach willing to develop and give opportunities to young players, as Howe and his staff have done with Murphy and Shahar.“All the support, all the individual coaches I have just push me on to be a better player”, Shahar said. “That’s boosted me to get the appearance tonight.”Again, glowing praise for Newcastle’s youth setup, suggesting that Howe has created a clear pathway for those in the Academy to feed into the First Team. Whilst the long term project at the club may be coming to a crossroads, this system will undoubtedly be seen as a success, with maintaining and enhancing it likely to be a priority. Get full access to North East Football TV at www.northeastfootballtv.com/subscribe

Jacob Murphy “feels amazing”. He said so himself, despite having not hit the heights he did last season, during this campaign. Much like his club, Murphy has been inconsistent, and yet, his words and demeanour revealed a man who is quite clearly enjoying the best period of his footballing career.When Murphy signed for Newcastle in the summer of 2017, he joined a club who, under Rafa Benitez, were freshly promoted from the Championship, and which looked very different to how it is now. North East Football TV is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Mike Ashley held the keys to the club, and even the high of promotion could not fully mask the underlying reality of what Newcastle United was during that period. The frustration, the disappointment, and more often than not, the heartbreak. By October of that year though, Amanda Staveley was spotted at St. James’ Park, in what was the first sign of the change that was to come on Tyneside. “I’ve had some really good mentors over the years, over the nine years that I’ve been here”, Murphy told North East Football TV ahead of the recent Champions League tie against Qarabag FK. “Matt Ritchie for one, he was amazing for me”, Murphy continued, very keen to mention the former Newcastle United and Scotland winger, who was instrumental both in helping the Magpies return to the top flight in 2017, and then stabilising them there. He was a leader at the club, both on and off the pitch.Nearly ten years on, Ritchie is still playing professionally for Reading in League One, whereas Murphy is preparing to face Barcelona in the second leg of a Champions League Last 16 fixture. In mentioning Matt Ritchie, Murphy not only highlighted just how much has changed at Newcastle United in just under a decade, but also he has managed to remain integral to the core of the club, even with all of the development and progress that has occurred. In that time, Murphy had two loan spells away from the North East, first at West Bromwich Albion during 2019, and then at Sheffield Wednesday for the 2019/20 season. On both occasions, Murphy was taking a step down to play in the Championship, and one would not have blamed him for thinking that his Newcastle United career was all but over, having never really kicked into gear.It seemed far-fetched, preposterous even, that Jacob Murphy, who had gone to the Championship twice in search of regular football, would once again represent Newcastle, never mind in a Champions League knockout tie. However, what perhaps made Muprhy different to others, were his roots. Both he and his twin brother Josh grew up in north London, but their mother, from Birtley in Gateshead, clearly made an impression on their young footballing lives. Pictures exist of the two as infants, both adorning Newcastle United shirts from the mid-1990s. Whilst Josh has never been fortunate enough to pull on the famous black and white professionally, Jacob had, and having had that experience, having it again became almost like an itch that needed to be scratched. His “resurgence”, as Murphy described it, came whilst wearing the blue and white of Sheffield Wednesday. ”Everything started to click for me, and that’s where I feel Jacob Murphy 2.0 was formed”.Murphy returned to Newcastle from Wednesday in the summer of 2020, with the world stricken by Covid-19, and yet for the winger came “a couple of good seasons under Steve Bruce”, which were then followed by the the arrival of Eddie Howe in November 2021. As Murphy put it, “the gaffer came in and the rest is history.”History it may be, but Murphy is still very a part of their present, even with the influx of new talent that has signed for the club since Eddie Howe became Head Coach. On Saturday at Stamford Bridge, he captained the club on-field to a one-nil win that reignited Newcastle’s hopes of European qualification via the Premier League this season. Much has been said and written of Blyth-born Dan Burn captaining the side in recent times, and of course, scoring at Wembley, but for Murphy, a boyhood Mag just like Burn, this was his moment.Such a privilege came from Muprhy being elected into Newcastle United’s leadership group. Having such responsibility Murphy said was “awesome”, and he believes that he has brought a positive contribution to the group, which features players such as Bruno Guimarães, Kieran Trippier, Nick Pope and Burn. Having become part of such esteemed company thanks to the votes of his fellow professionals, Murphy revealed that Matt Ritchie was “one of the first people I reached out to, and he said he had sensed them qualities in me from early on”. Quite fitting, it’s fair to say.Perhaps it is the influence of Matt Ritchie, combined with Murphy’s Geordie upbringing, that have made him both the player and the person he is today. His delivery into the box and his eye for goal are qualities Ritchie also demonstrated at the peak of his powers in a black and white shirt, but also the passion, the willingness to succeed, were traits very much etched into Ritchie that Murphy displays now. All of that will be needed when Murphy and Newcastle United step out at the Camp Nou to face Barcelona, with a place in the Quarter Finals of the Champions League at stake. This match represents the chance for this iteration of the club, with the current core (of which Murphy is a part), to climb to quite possibly their greatest height. Three years ago in 2023, as Newcastle lined up for the Champions League music at the San Siro, ahead of their return to the competition after 20 years, Muprhy’s beaming smile, infused with pride, excitement and emotion, was caught on camera for all to see. If such a smile is seen at the Camp Nou, it will signify that Newcastle United have reached the last eight, with Murphy very much at the heart of it all.North East Football TV is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to North East Football TV at www.northeastfootballtv.com/subscribe

Sunderland Head Coach Régis Le Bris was pleased with the composure and control shown by his side in their 3-0 win over Burnley in the Premier League.Following the victory, Le Bris made clear that “in the Premier League, if you get complacent, you will get punished,” and praised the level of ambition shown by his players in the second half, after what had been a dominant first period.North East Football TV is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Sunderland were two goals to the good by the half time interval, but Le Bris revealed how he had told his players during the break that the game was “not finished”, and that they had to win the second half.Le Bris added that there had been two examples of Premier League sides going two goals up but failing to win during this matchweek, and that he was determined that Sunderland would not do the same. The full time score of 3-0 to Sunderland highlighted that Le Bris’ message had got through to his players.The Black Cats were undoubtedly helped by the complete lack of potency and threat shown by visitors Burnley, but those in red and white stuck to their jobs to see out what was as comfortable a Premier League victory as they come.However, such is Le Bris’ attention to detail, he also called on his players to “fix two or three problems” in the second half, even though his side had been commanding in the first period. That mindset shows just how Sunderland are the only side in the top flight who have not yet lost a game at home.The Black Cats’ away record does leave more to be desired, but given that in their first season back in the Premier League since 2016/17, they sit on 36 points and in the top half, it is clear that Le Bris is demanding the highest of standards from his players to ensure their safety in the league and the possibility of a very positive finish to the campaign come May.North East Football TV is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to North East Football TV at www.northeastfootballtv.com/subscribe

Eddie Howe has stated that he is only focused on Newcastle United and is undeterred by any speculation linking him to the vacant Head Coach role at Manchester United, after Ruben Amorim was removed from his post on Monday.When asked about the situation, Howe made clear that “nothing has changed” from his perspective and that he remains 100% on-board with Newcastle as a club and project.“From my perspective, my commitment to my work and my job as long as I’m happy and able to express myself in the best way that I can to help the team, nothing will change”, Howe made clear.Having steered Newcastle to their first major honour since 1969 by winning the Carabao Cup in Match 2025, Howe has already been assured of legend status on Tyneside. Despite this, he reiterated his pride at being part of Newcastle United by adding that nothing at present could tempt him to leave for pastures new.Howe was quick to add that his relationships with others at the club have not been consistently good, perhaps referring to his lack of bond with former Sporting Director Paul Mitchell, who arrived at the club without the Head Coach having any say. Mitchell left the club after just a year, with Howe saying that currently he is “very happy”.Job satisfaction is clearly of the highest significance to Eddie Howe, as well as being able to work effectively with those around him. He praised recent appointments by the club, alluding to Ross Wilson and David Hopkinson becoming the new Sporting Director and Chief Executive Officer, respectively.Despite what has been a frustrating campaign on Tyneside so far, Howe is clearly content, and has no desire to move to a club where his happiness and ability to express himself, as he put it, would be heavily strained. Certainly, Newcastle still have the chance to make the season a memorable one.The Magpies are just two points away from a potential Champions League qualification place in the Premier League table, are within touching distance of reaching at least the play-off round in the Champions League, and are two legs of a Carabao Cup semi-final away from reaching Wembley again, and having the chance to defend their trophy.Newcastle will have to evolve and be flexible, Howe said, given some of this season’s struggles, and be “open to change”. That may be necessary on the pitch, but off it, this is beginning to feel like one of the most stable periods at the club since Howe took charge in 2021. Get full access to North East Football TV at www.northeastfootballtv.com/subscribe

Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe has made clear his hopes that the Magpies can return to the best version of themselves during what is set to be a busy month of January.Howe said that there “is a lot more to come” from his side in the Premier League this season, but that the two recent wins over Burnley and Crystal Palace were “a big step in the right direction”.Newcastle were not at their best in either victory, but crucially got over the line on both occasions to claim six points. The Magpies now sit in 9th place in the league table, and just two points off a potential Champions League place currently occupied by Chelsea in 5th.“When you’re playing a lot of games, you want to feel good”, Howe said, alluding to the hectic fixture schedule that Newcastle have in January. He added that he and his players were experiencing a “different emotion” ahead of the Burnley match, but having won there and against Palace, Newcastle can really kick on.Eddie Howe, his staff and players will know that playing with belief and confidence will help to build momentum. By achieving two wins in the type of fixture that they have found difficult to navigate this season, this could be a springboard moment.All at the club are very aware that this has been an inconsistent season, devoid of winning runs that have aided their success in recent seasons. However, given the abundance of matches to come, in a variety of competitions, the Magpies have the opportunity to transform what has been a stuttering campaign into a memorable one.Next up for Newcastle is another home fixture in midweek against Leeds United, before two more outings at St. James’ Park in the following days, against Bournemouth in the FA Cup, and then Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg. Get full access to North East Football TV at www.northeastfootballtv.com/subscribe

Sunderland’s squad unity was praised by Head Coach Régis Le Bris following the Black Cats’ Tyne-Wear derby win over Newcastle United.Le Bris spoke of “teamwork” at Sunderland being “one of the main strengths” at the club, which has inspired them to 27 points after 17 games (following the goalless draw at Brighton) in their first season back in the Premier League.The Black Cats did lack an attacking threat against their local rivals, but made up for that in character and desire, with the game’s one big moment ultimately going in their favour, when Nick Woltemade headed into his own net.“We are working together”, Le Bris stated after the full time whistle, a relatively simple point, but one that Sunderland are fully committed to, especially at the Stadium of Light. Their unbeaten record at home in the league this season speaks volumes.Le Bris added that the game changed after Sunderland took the lead early in the second half, with the Black Cats then dropping deeper to defend the lead they had. For many teams this could spell trouble, but despite Newcastle increasing the pressure, Sunderland did not wilt.This is perhaps what is most impressive about Sunderland at present. The cohesion that they have developed has made them completely unfazed by any opponent in the Premier League. They have beaten Chelsea, and drawn with Arsenal and Liverpool. Losses have come in amongst those results but given that a year ago, the Black Cats were 2-1 victors against Norwich City in the Championship, all of a red and white persuasion will be nothing short of delighted.Many feared how Sunderland would cope in the top flight this season, but thanks to their summer recruitment, and the coaching of Le Bris and his staff, so far it has exceeded all expectations. The “collective project” Le Bris spoke of is taking shape. It has seen them defeat North East neighbours Newcastle, but what next?This season remains all about survival for Le Bris, despite the growing imaginations of some supporters. They are over halfway to their points target and are showing no signs of letting up. The amount of players departing for the Africa Cup of Nations is a slight concern, but Le Bris will no doubt confident that Sunderland’s unity will carry them through. Get full access to North East Football TV at www.northeastfootballtv.com/subscribe

Newcastle United’s attacking performance against local rivals Sunderland has given Head Coach Eddie Howe huge cause for concern after the Magpies only registered two shots on target.Howe made clear his “disappointment” following the full time whistle that his side were not able to meaningfully test Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs, given the “quality players” Newcastle possess.After a first period devoid of any chances, Sunderland took the lead early in the second half when Newcastle forward Nick Woltemade headed into his own net past Aaron Ramsdale.“Goals change games”, Howe made clear, and added that the Magpies’ approach to the second period was completed altered as a result, but despite the introduction of Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock, Jacob Murphy and then Yoane Wissa, Newcastle continued to lack creativity despite dominating possession.Newcastle’s Head Coach did praise his side’s defensive display, which limited Sunderland to minimal chances, but this will pale into insignificance given that none of the Magpies’ attacking options were able to create any real moments of opportunity to excite the travelling Toon supporters.This will perhaps frustrate Howe the most. Sunderland have played better this season, as highlighted by the 26 points they have amassed so far, and yet Newcastle failed to land a glove on them. There were moments in the match where better decision making in attacking areas could have seen the Magpies create significant openings, but they came to nothing.Ultimately, it is a day that Eddie Howe, and everyone else associated with Newcastle United will want to forget in a hurry, but making up for it will not be as easy for the Magpies as simply winning their Carabao Cup quarter-final tie against Fulham in midweek. Newcastle will have to wait until March to exact revenge on their North East rivals when the two sides meet again at St. James’ Park.Until then, Howe will have seriously consider making changes to Newcastle’s strategy in attack. The Magpies have lost the pace and intensity that was once a key characteristic of their play going forward. It could be argued that given Newcastle’s schedule, playing that way consistently is unsustainable, but for it to be missing in a game of such magnitude some will see as unforgivable. Get full access to North East Football TV at www.northeastfootballtv.com/subscribe