For the third time this season, Eddie Howe has the job of picking up his Newcastle United players after suffering defeat in the Premier League against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Danny Welbeck’s double secured a 2-1 victory for Fabian Hurzeler’s men, which has left the Magpies currently sitting in the bottom half of the table after the first eight outings.
The result leaves Howe with a huge task on his hands to try and turn the situation around, after winning just 25% of the league outings in 2025/26 to date.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe
Both of their victories have come on home soil, with their tally of just three points out of a potential 12 away from home certainly becoming a real concern for the 47-year-old.
However, at one stage, it appeared that the Magpies may have been able to get something out of the contest after the brilliance of one first team member.
Nick Woltemade’s brilliance against Brighton
After Alexander Isak joined Liverpool from Newcastle this summer, his replacement was already going to have huge boots to fill given the Swede’s success at St James’ Park.
The hierarchy chose Nick Woltemade as the man to take the responsibility on his shoulders, something which the German has done brilliantly in recent weeks.
Nick Woltemade scores for Newcastle-1
He’s made five appearances in the Premier League since his big-money transfer to Tyneside, but has had an immediate impact - netting four goals with his latest coming against the Seagulls.
Such an effort was arguably his best to date, incredibly flicking Lewis Miley’s cross into the bottom left-hand corner past the despairing Bart Verbruggen.
Woltemade also completed a dribble, made five passes into the final third and won two aerial battles - subsequently showcasing his incredible all-round display.
However, despite such a showing, numerous other Magpies players struggled to impress at the AMEX, which could put their places in the starting eleven at huge risk.
The Newcastle player who could be on borrowed time
Losing in the Premier League is to be expected given the competitive nature of the division, but the fashion in which Newcastle did so on Saturday is nothing short of unacceptable.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe before the match-1
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe before the match
Howe has instilled huge expectations into the fanbase, given the recent success, but such a showing against Hurzeler’s side fell way below the high stands his men have set.
Anthony Elanga was one player who once again struggled on the South Coast, subsequently being replaced at the break as a result of his first-half showing.
However, he wasn’t alone in that regard, with Brazilian international Joelinton another starter who was withdrawn from the contest after just 45 minutes.
He’s been a player who’s been called into question by the supporters for his lack of impact, with his outing against the Seagulls certainly doing himself no favours.
joelinton-newcastle
The 29-year-old only registered a total of 39 touches of the ball, whilst only making three passes into the final third and was unable to create any clear-cut chances.
Joelinton also failed to complete any of the long balls he attempted, even losing possession six times and often being wasteful when having the ball at his feet, having been described as "tough to watch" by Magpie Media.
Joelinton vs Brighton
Statistics
Minutes played
Touches
Passes completed
Long balls completed
Possession lost
Dribbled past
Dribbles
Shots
Key passes
Crosses
Aerials lost
Match rating
Out of possession, the Brazilian was dribbled past twice, whilst also losing 100% of the aerial battles he entered in what was an afternoon to forget for the midfielder.
As a result of his dismal showing, he was handed a measly 4/10 match rating by Newcastle World journalist Jordan Cronin - further showcasing how disappointing he was in the defeat.
After such a showing, there’s no denying he needs to be dropped from Howe’s starting eleven, especially after Miley registered an assist after replacing him.
Joelinton has been an excellent addition for the club, but it appears as though he could be on borrowed time given his recent slump in form over the last few weeks.