There is little doubt that we are currently experiencing our toughest period yet of the Eddie Howe era at Newcastle United.
One win in our last eight games, 10 goals conceded in our last three, 12th in the table and as close to the relegation zone as fifth place; a target position at the start of the season to ensure another season of Champions League football.
Club captain and star midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has been arguably our standout player this term, turning up when others hid and scoring some massive goals.
On that note, he’s not hidden from some harsh truths in a social media post following [Saturday’s 3-2 defeat](https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2026/02/07/an-absolute-disaster-at-st-james-park-newcastle-2-3-brentford/) to Brentford, offering a message of honesty and fight ahead of tonight’s must-win clash away to Spurs.
Writing on his Instagram page, the 28-year-old urged his team to take responsibility, work harder and fight our way through our first major dip since his arrival on Tyneside:
> _“I know, and we all know, our responsibility as players, and that things are not happening the way we would like.”_
>
> _“I believe that in these four years together, this is the first time we are going through a real dip in form._
>
> _“We have to work harder, because difficult moments are always opportunities for us to become better than we have ever been.”_
>
> _“There is still a lot ahead of us, but we are certain that inside our club, no one will let go of anyone, and we will give everything to enjoy better days.”_
With 13 goal involvements in 22 league games, Bruno has stepped up in his output and effort levels, with him and Lewis Hall the only pair who could come away from Saturday’s defeat with genuine credit.
After a few harsh words since Brentford, let’s hope the lads can huddle together and deliver tonight; for their futures, Howe and a football club in danger of allowing this season to go from disappointing to disastrous.