Shocking: Eddie Howe Cost Newcastle 3 Points vs Barcelona With ‘Embarrassing’ Decision

Newcastle stumbled in their opening Champions League match of the 2025/26 season, with a Marcus Rashford brace enough for Barcelona to secure a 2–1 victory at St James’ Park. But things might well have been different if Eddie Howe had set his team up differently.
The home side had opportunities to take the lead prior to the England international’s stunning brace, with chances falling the way of Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, and others. The former did eventually get one goal back in added time, but it came too little too late.
While the England international did not enjoy his best night, he was at a disadvantage by not playing in his natural position. It felt like a game which was tailor-made for new signing Nick Woltemade, with multiple crosses into the box ultimately not causing Barcelona’s defenders any problems.

Once the German was introduced for Barnes, Newcastle looked much better with him through the middle and Gordon on the left. But that’s left many people, including Newcastle supporters, scratching their heads about why that wasn’t the plan from the off.
Woltemade Should Have Started, Not Barnes

Although Barnes didn’t have a terrible game, he did leave something to be desired. Squandering a chance in the first half, he didn’t really pose enough of a problem for right-back Jules Kounde throughout the hour he was on the pitch.
Once Howe brought on Woltemade, the complexion of the game changed. Newcastle were more direct and had someone to play off, with Gordon making good runs down the left — although it’s fair to say that he didn’t really test Kounde much either.