The Magpies are struggling for form after a diffcult few months on Tyneside
Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
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Newcastle United are suffering from the rigours of a tough season and should be given plenty of 'leeway' when it comes to criticism, according to former Arsenal forward Paul Merson.
The pressure is starting to build on head coach Eddie Howe following a series of disappointing performances whih has seen the Magpies slump to 14th in the Premier League table with just six games left to play.
Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace came on the back of a three-week break - although many of the squad were involved in international fixtures - and did nothing to lift morale at the club following the embarassing 2-1 derby loss to arch-rivals Sunderland.
Howe has had to cope without captain Bruno Guimaraes since February, but Merson feels any talk of the United boss being under pressure should be dismissed.
However, he did point out that players leaving in the summer, with no Champions League football on Tyneside next season, could be a big issue for Howe.
"It's hard at the moment because Newcastle have been playing for so much over the last few years, won a cup for the first time, playing in the Champions League, and now they are drifting around mid-table," he told Sky Sports.
"They are almost in nothing territory, and it's quite hard after the highs they have had.
"When I hear about Eddie Howe under pressure, it makes me laugh. He brought them their first trophy in what felt like a million years. It's ridiculous any talk of pressure.
"The real problem is that it looks like Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes might leave - those are the things that should worry Newcastle fans. But they are still a good team.
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"It's a bit like Liverpool, the high of winning the league last season, now look at them. The demands are taking their toll.
"Last year, they had a much more settled team; injuries have meant they don't have that this year. You couldn't pick Newcastle's best team. I would give them a bit of leeway.
"I expect Newcastle to always be around the five, six, seven mark in the Premier League. When they have a full team, all on it, they give anyone a game."
Newcastle must now lift themselves for the final six games of the campaign, with Bournemouth at St James' Park next Saturday. That is followed by a trip to the Emirates to face title hopefuls Arsenal on April 25.
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