Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe voiced his disappointment after a heartbreaking late loss to Everton at St James' Park, emphasizing his team's lack of consistency. Despite showcasing potential by defeating strong teams like Manchester City, Newcastle has also faced defeats against lower-ranked teams, leading to concerns about their top-tier status. Howe lamented that his players are not demonstrating the reliable performance levels needed for a team aspiring to compete for European spots.

The match against Everton was a dramatic encounter, culminating in a late winner from Thierno Barry, which came just after Newcastle had equalized. This loss places Newcastle in the lower half of the Premier League table, diminishing their chances of European football next season. Howe's candid assessment highlighted a worrying trend of inconsistency, making it clear that the team needs to improve to keep their Champions League aspirations alive, especially with a challenging knockout tie against Barcelona approaching.

Howe has previously praised his squad for their ability to rise to significant challenges, evidenced by their Carabao Cup final victory. However, he now faces the task of fostering a more stable performance consistency from his players to achieve the expectations that come with being a contender for top-tier honors. As Newcastle's season progresses, the pressure mounts on Howe and his squad to rectify their erratic form and solidify their place in the league hierarchy.