Eddie Howe might have shrugged off any relegation fears at Newcastle United right now, but the struggles that Tottenham have endured show that they cannot rest on their laurels.
Howe did not give much credence to the idea that Newcastle United could be involved in this season’s relegation battle after their dismal defeat to Bournemouth.
All opinions welcome but I would LOVE to know how you think Howe can turn this around….
It's the same thing every week!
A graphic with the statement: "Prove me wrong - Eddie Howe has taken Newcastle as far as he can." Image shows Eddie Howe during Newcastle United's Premier League game against Bournemouth.
Credit: Getty Images/Stu Forster
When asked about the prospect of a relegation battle on Saturday during his post-match press conference, Howe simply said: “I don’t know necessarily about that, but eight defeats out of 11 isn’t good enough.”
Still, that had been the messaging at Spurs until relatively recently. Awful last season in the Premier League as they focused on the Europa League, the fact they finished 17th was written off as a one-off.
Clearly, it wasn’t, and it’s a warning Newcastle United must heed.
Newcastle have to avoid Tottenham mistakes
Newcastle are no strangers to a shock relegation themselves. In fact, Tottenham’s plight has all the hallmarks of the Magpies side who went down in the 2008-09 campaign.
Right now, Newcastle are in crisis and things appear to be drifting. It is very difficult to see where their next win is coming from, while key players are expected to leave this summer.
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This would be the WORST Eddie Howe replacement we could get! 😡
Or are you still captured by his old magic?
A graphic with the statement: "Prove me wrong, Jose Mourinho would be all wrong for Newcastle United." Image shows Jose Mourinho at St James' Park, the home stadium of Newcastle United.
Credit: Getty Images/Stu Forster
Anyone who is backing the club to replace them adequately might be being a bit too optimistic. Recruitment has been a major problem of late, and those in charge of it have done little to inspire confidence.
When a rot sets in, it’s difficult to get out from, as Spurs have shown. Newcastle could well finish anywhere between 14th and 17th this season and many might be suggesting it is simply an isolated event following such a difficult summer.
Tell that to Tottenham fans.
Alarmingly, Spurs showed much more backbone in their game with Brighton than Howe’s side did against the Cherries.
Newcastle were dreadful against Bournemouth. Frankly, it’s difficult to imagine a weaker side in the Premier League.
Eddie Howe reacts during Newcastle United's Premier League game against Bournemouth.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Leadership will be leaving in the form of Kieran Trippier and perhaps others. While change is to be embraced, those behind the scenes have hardly covered themselves in glory when it comes to overseeing it.
There is no suggestion that this summer’s signings will just magically be better for the club.
The Premier League is ruthless at times and if they aren’t dragged into it this season, the prospect of being in a similar position this time next year cannot be dismissed out of hand.
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