Eddie Howe reacts to being booed for Sandro Tonali decision as Newcastle slump to 12th

Eddie Howe has responded to supporters who booed his decision to take Italy star Sandro Tonali off at Stamford Bridge.

The Newcastle United head coach faced scrutiny from fans, arguably for the first time in a public manner, when he subbed Tonali against Brighton & Hove Albion at St James' Park. Howe repeated the change at Chelsea and was met by the same unhappy response from fans as the Magpies went down 2-1.

Speaking after the game, Howe said: "I understand the supporters love Sandro and want to see him stay on the pitch. But every decision I make is, in my eyes, to the benefit of the team.

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"And also with a view on the horizon and the games we have to come. I think Sandro can only do his bit, and influence the game so much that he becomes indispensable, in my opinion, to the team. I think there’s more to come from him."

Newcastle also slumped to 12th place over the weekend with their next Premier League fixture against Arsenal coming up next Saturday. Howe, who led Newcastle to fourth place in 2023, said: "It’s not where we want to be, but it’s the reality and we have to accept it,” said Howe. “I think a couple of wins changes everything, changes the picture very quickly.

"I think, for me, as long as the players are committed, together and giving everything in the matches then I’ll take whatever the results are.

"I think you could see that we were absolutely all of those things today. That gives me real heart for what’s ahead."