Eddie Howe's brutally honest assessment in Spurs aftermath as he lays down Wolves challenge

Eddie Howe has told his players that they must accept criticism after the 5-1 hammering at Spurs last Sunday. For the first time during Howe's stint as boss, the negative analysis hit new levels despite the fact Newcastle were up against a world class frontline in the capital.

Indeed, David Ginola's post-game rant went viral as he accused players of not being "professional" while Ian Wright dissected the performance and was critical of skipper Jamaal Lascelles on Match of the Day 2. Howe did not go into defensive mode in his press conference and instead challenged the players to get it right against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Howe said: "I think there should be criticism for our second-half performance. Certainly, I was very critical of it and I know the players were disappointed with it as well so we've got no issues taking that we have to respond now.

"I do feel we've made great strides in recent months but you're always accountable for your recent performances so we have to respond now. "That's how football works, that's how it should work. We have to respond now.

"And we're looking forward to getting the opportunity to do it."

After three defeats Howe does not believe that the pressure has intensified ahead of their clash with Wolves. Howe coolly played down talk of the heat being cranked up and said the intensity has not changed since he walked through the door.

Back then Howe inherited a side that were staring the Championship in the face. The reality is he has done well to turn things around and be in a solid position going into the run-in.

Howe added: "No, for every game I've been here we have always been playing catch up. We were a long way back.

"We have had a long way to go. We have had pressure on every game.

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