Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe following the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match
Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe following the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match
It was all looking a little bit hairy after Brentford away, wasn't it? Newcastle, thumped 4-2 on the road just days after such a solid Liverpool showing, were really struggling to find consistency - and Eddie Howe was feeling the heat.
Of course, those inside the boardrooms of St James' Park were by no means thinking of dismissing a manager they believe is 'elite' - but certainly sections of the fanbase were insisting the upcoming trio of winnable fixtures was a make or break period for the Toon chief.
Since then, three wins, 11 goals scored, one conceded, confident attacking play, solid defensive work and a lot of pressure subsequently eased on Howe. The Magpies chief has shown in recent seasons he can stop a rot - not as quick as some may like - but before it becomes terminal.
Saturday's thumping of Ipswich was the icing on the cake after three equally strong showings. Early goals, intense pressing, creative attacks and yet more solidity at the back. Plus, Newcastle's second consecutive 4-0 league win means they have won back-to-back Premier League games by four-plus goals for only the third time - the last being 26 years ago in 1998. The exact type of response Howe and his staff needed heading into a tricky period.
The games get tougher in the coming weeks, admittedly, but Newcastle have spent the majority of this season struggling to beat sides below them. Now, they must continue this run against Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the coming days and weeks as they bid for a European push.
"Absolutely delighted with the players and what they have given this week. It has been a really big week for us," Howe said after the 4-0 thrashing at Portman Road.
"Getting through to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup was one of our big aims and our league form needed to improve, so brilliant to get back-to-back wins.
"We are just constantly trying to tweak things and trying to improve. There are a number of little things to upturn our form. Our creative play has been back to what it has always been - free scoring and looking like we can create at any time."