Eddie Howe’s loyalty to these four Newcastle United players could ultimately cost him.
Newcastle United are struggling in the Premier League this season, winning only three of their opening 11 games.
As such, Howe’s side are struggling towards the bottom of the Premier League table. Despite a significant summer spend in an admittedly difficult few months, Newcastle sit just two points above the relegation zone.
Geordie Boot Boys understands that Newcastle insiders are convinced they can finish in the top six this season. In order to do that, things drastically need to improve.
One of the major frustrations amongst supporters is arguably the fact that several stars keep playing despite the fact they are out of form.
Here’s a look at four players Howe has been too loyal to this season.
Newcastle United Dan Burn reacts after fouling Brentford's Dango Ouattara
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Dan Burn
Dan Burn is a Newcastle United legend, but one playing out of position. Injuries have forced Howe’s hand, but Burn continues to play at left-back.
Broadly, he’s done a good job in the more routine games. Still, the 33-year-old centre-back was torn apart by both West Ham and Brentford before the international break.
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Alex Murphy could feasibly have at least lightened the load. Yet, Howe stuck with Burn and didn’t even take him off after he was booked against the Bees, which ultimately led to his red card, even with Lewis Hall on the bench.
Games Starts Minutes played
16 16 1,398
Nick Pope in action for Newcastle United against Bournemouth.
Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Nick Pope
Nick Pope is one of the most difficult Newcastle players to take a neutral view on. Pope is a brilliant goalkeeper capable of fine saves, yet he doesn’t always convince.
Pope has been at fault for a few Newcastle goals this season, making his continued presence in between the posts in the big games a source of huge frustration.
With Aaron Ramsdale on the bench, at least some supporters are calling for a change and that feels reasonable.
Games Starts Minutes played
15 15 1,337
Anthony Gordon puts his hands on his head during West Ham vs Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Anthony Gordon
Anthony Gordon hasn’t played well in the Premier League in months. Gordon continues to attract criticism from Newcastle fans, given his ability to step it up in the Champions League.
A cynical view would be that it’s much easier to play well against Union Saint-Gilloise and Benfica than most Premier League teams, despite the prestige of Europe’s elite club competition.
Gordon needs to look at himself. The fact he’s been the starting left-winger for most of the season is strange, particularly with Harvey Barnes in the squad.
Games Starts Minutes played
13 12 879
Joelinton in action for Newcastle United against Liverpool.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Joelinton
Like Burn, it seems almost blasphemous to criticise Joelinton at times. The Brazilian is the embodiment of the Howe era, having become an entirely different player since the Newcastle United manager arrived.
There is little place for sentiment, however. Joelinton is in poor form for Newcastle and was selected against Brentford despite not looking fully fit. With Jacob Ramsey waiting in the wings, it seemed like an odd decision.
Games Starts Minutes played
15 13 1,000
Why loyalty could cost Eddie Howe at Newcastle United
Newcastle fans are starting to question Howe following such a miserable start to the season.
Clearly, Howe cannot just bow to the whim of supporters. The best managers do not give in to pressure, and Howe has proven himself an elite coach since transforming Newcastle United.
Still, should he continue to refuse to budge, Howe is making a rod for his own back. Such is the level of pressure right now, any mistake any of these four players make will develop into a major talking point.
It will surely almost certainly become a bigger deal than it needs to be.
Eddie Howe on defeat at Brentford…
‘We got in a good position again and weren’t able to capitalise on it. We switched off and there were a couple of mistakes (for Brentford first goal) and paid the price. We needed a big reaction to that goal and didn’t get it.
‘But this is a… pic.twitter.com/13NBqtkGlV
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) November 9, 2025
View Tweet
The Newcastle United squad, while not perfect, is packed with talent. Injuries haven’t helped of course, but Howe has been through worse on Tyneside.
Howe shielded his players after the Brentford game by saying: “I feel it’s really important I support the players today. We know we have good players.
“We need to stay unified and grouped together during this period. We know it’s not good enough and I take full responsibility for that. The work to put it right starts now.’
That’s admirable, but it does not do much to change the narrative. It brings the frustration onto him, which could prove costly.