We are not deluded…Let’s see what we can do – Eddie Howe | OneFootball

Eddie Howe watched on as his Newcastle United side lost 3-2 on Sunday.

Inevitably, the Alexander Isak situation and the fact only Anthony Elanga has been signed so far this summer, were the two subjects most interesting the media after this unlucky defeat.

Eddie Howe stating (see below) that the Newcastle United hierarchy are ‘not deluded’ and absolutely know that more signings have to be made this summer.

In the match itself, Sandro Tonali creating the opening goal with excellent assist for Anthony Elanga to score within six minutes, the Forest winger shooting with his right foot and the ball then catching his left foot, sending it beyond Raya.

However, two goals in quick succession for Arsenal, saw them 2-1 up at the break.

Former United player Mikel Merino finishing off a good flowing move.

Then within 120 seconds, a low cross from Newcastle’s right side reached the back post, where Alex Murphy panicked and smashed the ball right footed into the net when it was easier to knock it behind.

Jacob Murphy looked to have earned Newcastle a draw with a second half equaliser, a fine left foot bottom corner finish from outside the box.

However, with the clock ticking down, Odegaard got the winner from the penalty spot, Ruddy unlucky not to save it after going to his right and the decent shot just out of his reach.

A harsh penalty when Joelinton made minimal contact and saw the Arsenal player dive to the ground.

Eddie Howe speaking after the 3-2 defeat for Newcastle United:

“We certainly needed to step up in performance after the Celtic game and we did.

“Of course there are things that we need to improve upon, but overall, it was a difficult game and all credit to the players.

“It’s business as usual for the players.”

Eddie Howe asked whether Alexander Isak would join the squad in South Korea:

“No chance.”

Eddie Howe on Sven Botman who came on for the second half but was subbed after 25 minutes:

“I did not see him struggling.

“He came off and said his groin was tight.

“Fingers crossed it’s OK.”

Eddie Howe on Alexander Isak missing from these friendlies in the Far East:

“Naturally we are going to miss a player of Alex’s quality.

“The group will feel that.

“I can’t sit here and claim they won’t but we have a very professional group of players and they have been brilliant in terms of managing the situation.”

Eddie Howe on the transfer window:

“We are not deluded.

“We know that we need to bring players in.

“We have known that for a long time.

“It has been a challenging transfer window.

“Let’s see what we can do.”

Final score:

Arsenal 3 Newcastle 2

Goals:

Newcastle:

Elanga 6, Murphy 59

Arsenal:

Merino 33, OG Alex Murphy 35, Odegaard 84 pen

Newcastle team v Arsenal:

Pope (Ruddy 73), Trippier (Krafth 46), Alex Murphy (Targett 46), Burn (Schar 46), Lascelles (Botman 46 (Ashby 70)), Tonali (Livramento 46) Bruno (Miley 46), Osula (Neave 73), Elanga (Jacob Murphy 46), Willock (Joelinton 46), Gordon (Barnes 46)

Unused Subs:

Vlachodimos,.Harrison, Munda, Hernes, Park

Newcastle United pre-season friendly schedule 2025/26

(Saturday 12 July – Newcastle 4 Carlisle 0 (Behind closed doors))

Saturday 19 July – Celtic 4 Newcastle 0

Sunday 27 July – Arsenal 3 Newcastle 2

Wednesday 30 July – Team K-League all stars v Newcastle

Sunday 3 August- Spurs v Newcastle