Newcastle manager Eddie Howe must be under increasing pressure to turn things around after a disappointing season, with their latest result against Everton a serious cause for concern.
The Magpies were defeated 3-2 at home, twice drawing the game level before Everton took the lead again shortly after. The Merseyside club made it 3-2 just minutes after Jacob Murphy had equalised, with Anthony Gordon giving the ball away in a dangerous position before Thierno Barry bundled the ball home.
The result means Newcastle now sit in 13th position, dropping below their North East rivals Sunderland, and they are a whopping 15 points off the top four.
The Magpies did advance into the next round of the Champions League, but their Premier League performances have been unacceptable this season.
Howe Needs to Axe Newcastle Stars
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe applauds fans after the match vs Everton
If Howe wants to save his job, he needs to consider making some wholesale changes ahead of their game against Manchester United in the Premier League this week.
One player who needs to be dropped is former Everton winger Gordon. The England international simply hasn't been good enough all season in the Premier League, and although Howe has remained patient with him, he's not delivering even close to how he should be.
Howe also needs to axe Nick Woltemande. The Newcastle boss has now utilised the German forward in his natural striker role and in midfield, but he's struggling wherever he's deployed at the moment.
The third player Howe needs to drop for the game against Manchester United is Anthony Elanga. The Swedish winger joined the club for a significant fee in the summer from Nottingham Forest, but the Magpies are yet to see even close to their money's worth so far.
If Howe wants to save his job, it could be a must-win game this week.
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Howe Has Options at Newcastle
Harvey Barnes celebrating scoring against Manchester United
Howe does have options to make changes with his Newcastle side. The likes of Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock, Jacob Murphy, Yoane Wissa, and William Osula all came off the bench against Everton.
Some of the aforementioned players have also been underperforming with the Magpies, but players like Gordon in particular seem to be given an easier ride by Howe.
Gordon has started 20 Premier League games for Newcastle this season, despite scoring just one non-penalty goal.
Howe should be under serious pressure after such a dismal campaign, and changes will be necessary if they want to beat an in-form United.