Howe would 'love' to finish above Sunderland after derby pain
· Yahoo Sports
Eddie Howe has overseen some painful defeats this season, but none stung more than the meek derby losses against bitter rivals Sunderland.
"They really hurt our season," the Newcastle United head coach said at his final pre-match news conference of the campaign.
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"They hurt the feeling around what we were doing and they were the results that really changed perception.
"We only have ourselves to blame for that."
After being beaten 1-0 at the Stadium of Light in December, Newcastle suffered a 2-1 loss in the return fixture in March.
St James' Park had rapidly emptied by the time Howe and his players embarked on their traditional lap of appreciation.
There were some supporters who stayed behind to clap the team off, but others showed their displeasure by booing.
A bruising run went on - Newcastle suffered nine defeats in 12 games in the league - but Howe's side have since recovered.
The upturn in results has come too late, however.
Newcastle have missed out on a place in Europe and there is little riding on the final-day trip to Fulham other than ending the campaign with some positive momentum.
That being said, if results swing their way, there is still a chance for Howe's side to finish in ninth - and above Sunderland.
"We would love to finish above anybody in the Premier League for loads of different reasons," the head coach said.
"But, of course, Sunderland means so much to everyone in our supporter base. That would be something we would look to do if we could."