Eddie Howe’s financial situation is dire, which explains Newcastle’s two-month slide.
Of all the Newcastle managers in the previous 20 years, Eddie Howe is having the most comfortable ride through a storm.
However, credit is eroding after nearly two years of growth. After a cup final, a fourth-place result the previous season, and a first-phase rebuild for new Saudi owners, it is difficult to condemn the Newcastle manager.
Given the inconsistent nature of the team’s play, results, and defence since early December, Howe may now have to prove he is the right person to spearhead Newcastle’s Phase 2 change.
Having your own audience chanting for sub Tino Livramento to perform is hardly a professional look. Chiedoze Ogbene, a quick winger, had roasted Dan Burn for an hour, yet he was left out there to suffer and give up a penalty.
Where was the tactical in-game intervention to end Burn’s suffering before he gave up a penalty? Livramento was better positioned to stop the problem as the home audience had witnessed it in the first half.
In their previous three at home, Newcastle has given up ten goals. In their last five league games, they have allowed 15 goals. A flash, turning into a pattern.
Why? Howe attributed the midfield’s lack of “athleticism” on the injuries to Joelinton and Joe Willock. That’s not a jab at the three players who participated.He clarified, stating they miss “the pace of Willock and the ball-winning abilities of Joelinton.” “Our midfield dynamic looks different.”
The recent run of six losses and two victories in nine league games has been mostly attributed to injuries.
This is hardly the form that will get you back into Europe; the top seven is probably what the Saudis will want at the very least, even though they stated they wanted to “be No. 1” seven months ago. And fourth-place Luton isn’t smashing them for four either.
Nick Pope is likewise not available due to a shoulder dislocation. Up to December 2, they gave up 19 goals in their first 21 games of the season under Pope. They have allowed 26 goals in their previous 13 games while Martin Dubravka is in goal.
“Key players have left us, and we’ve sustained additional injuries. That cannot be justified, yet that is the way things are.
Howe is so well backed that the opening line of any discussion about him is always, “I rate Eddie Howe, but…” Or, “Eddie Howe is my love.”
