Eddie Howe has leaped ahead of Liverpool manager Arne Slot in the Premier League sack race.
The pressure is beginning to mount on Eddie Howe at Newcastle United. For the first time in his Toon career, a section of fans are questioning whether he is the man to lead the Magpies forward.
Until now, animosity towards the manager had largely been restricted to dark corners of social media. However, a self-inflicted defeat to Sunderland - for the second time this season - has generated a wave of toxicity.
Boos echoed around St James' Park last weekend as Newcastle applauded the supporters. Any hopes of salvaging a stuttering campaign are now dashed - with not even a late run for European football being enough to erase the derby defeats.
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Bookies slash Eddie Howe odds
At the turn of the year, Howe was priced at a staggering 40/1 by some bookmakers to be the next Premier League manager sacked. However, the Toon boss is now just 3/1 - highlighting the consequences of a Tyne-Wear derby defeat.
Also in the running to face the chop is Oliver Glasner, Liam Rosenior and Arne Slot. Here is a list of the Premier League sack race in full.
Oliver Glasner - 5/2
Liam Rosenior - 5/2
Eddie Howe - 3/1
Arne Slot -4/1
Scott Parker - 9/2
Newcastle United stance
The shot-callers at St James' Park will not react hastily to the derby defeat. There is an understanding at boardroom level of the mitigating factors behind Newcastle’s underwhelming campaign.
This aligns with the Gazette’s knowledge, with Howe - for now - being given the opportunity to set the record straight this summer. With sporting director Ross Wilson and CEO David Hopkinson in place, there is optimism that Newcastle are in a better place to attack the summer window.
Recognition remains of Howe's achievements - including two Champions League qualifications and a Carabao Cup trophy. As long as the atmosphere inside the ground does not turn toxic - and Newcastle’s form avoids nosediving further - their position will not change.
Eddie Howe unwavering Newcastle United commitment
Speaking post-match, Howe vowed to fight on - insisting he is “fully committed” to Newcastle. He told reporters: “I am committed, fully committed. I'm disappointed in myself and my delivery today over the last week. The Barcelona game was very tough. Today is even tougher.
“Yeah, I mean, I always, as I said after the Brentford game, absorb myself and don't look to deflect it to my players, I protect my players to my last breath. That is how I look at it. It is going to be a tough, painful few days for me.”
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