Newcastle boss Eddie Howe left disappointed after 'painful' Tyne-Wear derby defeat

[p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/newcastle-utd/p6ahwuwJ/"]Newcastle[/a] were humbled 7-2 by [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/barcelona/SKbpVP5K/"]Barcelona[/a] to bow out of the Champions League in midweek and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/newcastle-p6ahwuwJ/sunderland-WSzc94ws/?mid=fBXzEJVp"]failure to end a barren spell over Sunderland[/a] in the league saw them slip behind the Black Cats and down to 12th in the Premier League.[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/sunderland/WSzc94ws/"]Sunderland[/a] have still not tasted defeat in a league game between the sides for 15 years as they stretched a club-record unbeaten run in the Tyne-Wear derby to 11 matches.[/p][p][b]"Very, very painful. Most of all painful for our supporters and they're the ones I think about now,"[/b] said [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/howe-eddie/hbOpz9hE/"]Howe[/a].[/p][p][b]"I've got very little to use as an excuse. Once you haven't performed and you know how much the game means you have to accept the criticism."[/b][/p][p]Newcastle were booed off at full-time after a performance that will put Howe's future under scrutiny.[/p][embed guid="ccbb2836-0fa4-4e03-8fef-e613eebef093" url="https://x.com/NUFC/status/2035741143783080147" social-type="twitter" /][p]He has twice delivered Champions League football and won the club's first domestic trophy for 70 years since being appointed just under five years ago.[/p][p]But despite the resources of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund behind them, Newcastle's progress has stalled due to poor recruitment and having to meet financial sustainability rules.[/p][p][b]"I understand the reaction at the end of the game,"[/b] added Howe. [b]"I'm fully committed (to the job). I'm disappointed in myself and my delivery over the last week."[/b][/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/gordon-anthony/EFo95m2P/"]Anthony Gordon[/a]'s strike after 10 minutes had given Newcastle the perfect start.[/p][p]But their exhausting schedule over recent months caught up with them after the break.[/p][p]No side in Europe's top five leagues have played more games than Howe's men this season, but their campaign is in danger of fizzling out to an anti-climactic finish.[/p][p]They remain seven points adrift of the Champions League places, but Howe is hoping that a lighter schedule after an upcoming international break will aid their chances of European qualification.[/p][embed guid="44b44116-1b5f-4c64-9c01-c521df1e6f88" url="https://x.com/NUFC/status/2035717283285278786" social-type="twitter" /][p][b]"We've got some massive games to come in the Premier League,"[/b] said Howe.[/p][p][b]"We get a chance to go into a different phase of our season where, week-to-week, we're able to train and maybe get that freshness back in our performance."[/b][/p][p]Sunderland's victory was also marred by a report of racist abuse aimed at [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/geertruida-lutsharel/zwx6dFjk/"]Lutsharel Geertruida[/a].[/p][p]Play was briefly stopped during the second half after the Dutch defender reported the incident to the officials.[/p][p][b]"We are aware of a report of racism made by a visiting player against someone in the crowd during our Premier League match against Sunderland,"[/b] Newcastle said in a statement.[/p][p][b]"Our stance is clear - we do not tolerate discrimination of any form. We will work with the authorities to fully investigate and will ensure any individuals are identified and held accountable."[/b][/p]