'Too many passengers' - Newcastle United squad sent clear message after West Ham defeat

Frustrations boiled over on Monday night as Newcastle United turned in a dismal performance against West Ham United - and Chronicle Live readers can't decide who to pin the responsibility on.

Eddie Howe's side failed to seize the opportunity to move within two points of second place, as West Ham won the game 2-0. Tomas Soucek's header put West Ham in front early on before Aaron Wan-Bissaka doubled the visitors' lead with an effort from just inside the box in the 53rd minute.

Speaking post-match, Howe said: "I really didn't like us in the last half an hour. That leaves us with a negative feeling because the majority of the early exchanges and the first 60 minutes was very good. Of course, the players who enter the pitch to justify playing in the next game, we didn't do that well enough today.

READ MORE: Callum Wilson and Eddie Howe in agreement after controversial Newcastle United incident

READ MORE: Julen Lopetegui's unusual Newcastle United plan pays off as Eddie Howe faces £190m problem

"I'm pretty pleased with the first 60 minutes albeit we're losing the game 2-0. We opened them up and had chances to score. Up to that point I was pretty pleased but the last 30 minutes I didn't enjoy. We tried a bit too hard to score. We'll rue that when we watch the game back."

Fans are furious, with commenter Badgertoon, writing in the Chronicle Live comments section, remarking: “This game was there for the taking, but we came up short! Lacking the brutal edge to finish teams off! The incentives were there, but we were sadly lacking and missed a great opportunity to keep on track for Europe.”

Reader Itcouldbeworse lays the blame at the squad's feet, saying: “Too many nice players who can't raise their game when it becomes a physical battle, not for the first time this season.” Ionlyasked agrees: “We have to have one of the worst passing teams in the league. There are too many passengers in the team.”

Greenerg84 wrote: “I personally think Tonali was tidy and should have started. Barnes isn't good enough. He's a good super sub in dying minutes, but he runs into trouble too often when he gets real game time.

"I'd have started or brought on Miggy. His legs and the fact he defends would have, for me, made a difference. Osula would have had more of an impact. Poor team section and sub tactics cost us this game.”

One player gets a pass for Jonnythebrave, who said: “Dreadful all-round performance I have to say. We had possession, but created nothing. An inability to hit the target is still a problem for us and after a quality performance previously, all of a sudden wecan't pass. We were constantly caught in possession, holding on to the ball too long and those through passes never got past a West Ham defender all game. Sloppy and lacking quality and everyone was accountable, perhaps except Hall!”

Ankles thinks that that the manager should take the blame. stating: “Shambles once Howe started his subs. I had no clue who was playing where at the end of the game. More importantly, neither did the players.”

And ChrisToonBarmyArmy wants some harsh choices made. He said: “No point being sentimental, it's a points game not a love-in. Gloves off, cut free the dead wood, the under-performing and the decision-makers. This is not what the new owners or the supporters expected this far into their ownership. Too many games like this to argue against change.”

Have your say! What's the one thing you'd fix for the next Premier League game? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.