Howe backs summer signings as he prepares to face Sesko
- Published
This is uncharted territory for Eddie Howe.
Even when Newcastle United were battling relegation in the head coach's early days at the club, in 2021, they did not lose three Premier League games in a row at St James' Park.
"When you get a blip like we've had, it feels abnormal," he said before Wednesday's visit of Manchester United.
"It feels unusual. It doesn't feel good. It's hurting us. We pride ourselves on trying to give our supporters what they want and we haven't been able to."
Keeping goals out has been the issue for leaky Newcastle of late.
But this side are still adapting to life after Alexander Isak following the striker's £125m departure to Liverpool last summer.
Benjamin Sesko was among those centre-forwards Howe targeted, only for the Slovenian to ultimately plump for a move to Manchester United.
Following a slow start to his career at Old Trafford, Sesko has since scored six Premier League goals in 2026.
Howe won't need any reminding about the threat Sesko carries, or the danger of Bryan Mbeumo or Matheus Cunha for that matter.
"Manchester United have recruited very well," he said. "The players you have mentioned are outstanding players - players we were aware of in the summer - so well done to them.
"I'm really happy with the new players we have got. Of course, they're all on different journeys to reach their best level. I believe they will get there."
Defender Malick Thiaw has certainly got there, while Jacob Ramsey has also impressed in Newcastle's midfield in recent weeks.
But winger Anthony Elanga is still finding his feet, Nick Woltemade - following a lethal start - has mainly been used as a midfielder of late and fellow forward Yoane Wissa has only scored three goals since joining from Brentford.
"Of course, there are question marks and people will have different opinions," Howe added.
"But a case in point will be Jacob Ramsey - just give players a bit of time to prove their worth and settle into what we ask them to do."
