The Magpies' poor league results continued with a loss to Brentford
Newcastle fans at St James' Park for Newcastle United vs Brentford
Newcastle fans at St James' Park for Newcastle United vs Brentford(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)
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Newcastle United's run of poor results continued on Saturday with a loss to visitors Brentford, and pressure on Eddie Howe to find a quick answer to his squad's malaise is growing - but some fans in the Chronicle Live comments sections are torn on how much blame Howe can realistically take for the club's situation.
The Magpies are 12th in the Premier League, just as far from the Champions League spots as they are from the relegation zone. Brentford was the third league loss in a row, and their overall performance is far from what was expected after spending big in the summer for the likes of Yoane Wissa, Nick Woltemade and Anthony Elanga.
There is no imminent danger to Howe's future at the club, and other competitions offer some hope as he and the squad try to reset their strong foundations. Saturday's Fourth Round FA Cup tie against Aston Villa is one avenue towards silverware after United were thoroughly beaten by Manchester City in the League Cup semi-finals.
The Magpies will also be hoping to progress to the last 16 of the Champions League after a good performance there, and will want to convincingly beat play-off opponents Qarabag to prove their credentials, with the first leg coming next week.
Some are backing Howe to find a way back to the heights of last season. Reader Rufeelittlewolf says: "Eddie Howe has brought the taste of glory back to Newcastle when they were on the verge of demise. We will forever remember what he’s accomplished in such a short period of time.
"This season has been very difficult brought on by the shenanigans of Isak’s transfer, injuries to several key players and the introduction of several new players. Of course some of the wasteful performances on the pitch are beyond comprehension leaving the fans with their heads in their hands in disbelief.
"That’s all the more reason why the Newcastle faithful need to get behind Eddie and the team, Eddie has earned the right of a drop in form and misfortune. One thing for certain, he will deliver again and learn from the difficulties of this season and be a better manager for it. Keep the faith, get behind Eddie and the team and let’s not add to the woes by booing the team during this challenging period."
Commenter DurbanSkyslot is less forgiving: "Personally, I wouldn't go diving in to sacking him on the spot but there is also the threat of leaving things too long, it's a tough decision. I see Howe still has a lot of supporters on this site and would genuinely ask them: What are they seeing in Eddie that makes them think he is the answer for the club?
"The football, the man management, in-game management, tactics have been nowhere the standard required for this level of football for some time.
"In my opinion there is no evidence to view that Howe is capable in the short, mid, or long-term of turning this club into a perennial challenger. There is a lot more evidence to the contrary that Howe is drinking at last chance saloon. I am not disputing what he did earlier in his tenure but that is the past and football doesn't stand still."
Hully1965 points the finger further up the chain: "PIF need to look in the mirror as something tells me all is not well - we can't keep top management or players, new players don't want to sign for us, and all we hear is talk about training and ground developments. The pyramids got built quicker.
"Eddie, our most successful manager, is always left to put the fire out - clearly all is not well, and if he leaves it will be a very sad day for a lot of Newcastle fans. Forget about the few plastic fans asking for his removal, most loyal fans have got his back 100%."
Paul2345 says: "It’s about time the players grew a spine instead of hiding behind Howe. Take some responsibility for your performance before you get Howe sacked."
Daft Dafty adds: "The fickle fans seem to forget what Howe has achieved that so many before him couldn’t. The team is on a bad run of form, give me one team that hasn’t experienced it. Howe is our best option for now. I suggest the armchair fans back off and leave it to the true fans to back the team, and more importantly Howe."
Using the comments section below, tell us what your realistic target for Newcastle United would be in the remaining competitions of the season.