Newcastle United are just two points ahead of the relegation zone after another miserable loss in the Premier League
Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe
Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe(Image: 2025 Newcastle United)
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Newcastle United have suffered another embarrassing loss on the road, falling 3-1 to Brentford at the weekend - and some fans in the Chronicle Live comments section are finding it hard to defend Eddie Howe as he passes his four-year anniversary in his post.
Harvey Barnes opened the scoring on Sunday, but they were pegged back by the Bees' Kevin Schade. A torrid night for Dan Burn ended in a red card and a penalty for Igor Thiago, who finished the job in injury time.
Last season's Carabao Cup win was supposed to herald better times ahead for Howe's team, but instead they find themselves two points ahead of the relegation zone with nearly a third of the season gone. Four wins in the past fifteen league games is a poor showing, despite good performances in cup competitions so far.
For some fans, the result was down to Eddie Howe's choices. Reader NUFC17 says: "What was Eddie thinking about, leaving Burn on after a yellow card? He was tortured the full game by their attackers, should have been off at half time."
Commenter Scottymc writes: "Players were all, to a man, awful. Thiaw must wonder what’s going on around him, and Woltemade had no service at all. Howe should have had Burn off as soon as he was booked! I’d hate to see him go but I don’t think Howe has much time left."
DurbanSkyslot says: "Two points off the relegation zone! Shocking from Howe, that is all you hear these days. This is worrying because this hasn't just happened overnight with the team being bad going back into last season. This cannot carry on, something has to change quickly."
Toonsville writes: "His favourites are letting him down time after time, everyone can see it. How many more performances like the last two until he realises this?"
JohnHenderson says: "Eddie Howe was as much to blame for this farce as some of his players. His team selection, his subs, leaving on Burn when he was already on a yellow, really has to make you wonder if he is beginning to lose the plot.
"Also, his constant picking of his favourites? A reality check is needed here, because we are nosediving towards the relegation zone and I doubt if PIF will appreciate it at all, giving regards to the money they have spent. This must be one of the worst starts to a season for a very long time, looking at the stats today we were second best at just about everything."
Terrymcdine writes: "More than a quarter of the way through the season and we are 2 points off relegation. We don't have a natural goalscorer, there's no creativity, our entire midfield is out of form, as is Botman, and Burn is simply not a left back. Worrying times ahead."
KEGS11 says: "He has one way of playing and other teams have worked it out. He can’t motivate this team, or change things - he’s on thin ice if things don’t improve quickly."
1snowbear adds: "NUFC are becoming the whipping boys of the PL, easy three point when playing away from St James'. I think there will plenty of celebrating going on in 'Wearyside'."
Have your say! How do you stop the slide at Newcastle United? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
And read Sean McCormick's verdict on Eddie Howe and the big questions being asked here