Newcastle United is currently facing significant challenges under the management of Eddie Howe. Following a recent defeat to Brentford, the club has experienced its lowest point since the Saudi Arabia takeover nearly five years ago. Sitting 12th in the Premier League, Newcastle is grappling with three consecutive losses and an early exit from the League Cup.
Newcastle’s Grueling Schedule
The team’s schedule has become particularly brutal, with players engaged in six matches over 17 days. There has been no midweek break since the international break in November. This relentless pace has raised concerns, with Newcastle’s squad appearing less equipped to handle the demanding fixtures compared to peers like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal.
Squad Recruitment Challenges
In the previous summer transfer window, Newcastle invested £250 million, acquiring five outfield players. However, only one—Malick Thiaw—has been a notable success. The contributions of Yoane Wissa, Nick Woltemade, Jacob Ramsey, and Anthony Elanga remain uncertain. As Howe reflects on his squad’s performance, the missteps in recruitment become increasingly apparent.
- Successful Signings: Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Dan Burn have made significant impacts.
- Current Struggles: The necessity for the summer signings to perform is growing critical as Newcastle navigates a demanding schedule.
The Future for Eddie Howe
Howe has established a strong connection with the club and its supporters since his arrival in November 2021. Despite social media criticism, match-going fans continue to show their support, hoping he can turn the club’s fortunes around.
Howe’s upcoming fixtures are daunting: facing Tottenham away and Aston Villa in the FA Cup, followed by a demanding Champions League trip to Baku. With the pressure mounting, he acknowledges the need for a spark from players like Elanga or Woltemade to reinvigorate the squad’s morale and confidence.
Upcoming Fixtures
| Date | Opponent | Competition | Kick-off Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 10 | Tottenham | Premier League | 7:30 PM |
| February 14 | Aston Villa | FA Cup | 5:45 PM |
| February 18 | Qarabag | Champions League | 5:45 PM |
| February 21 | Manchester City | Premier League | 8:00 PM |
| February 24 | Qarabag | Champions League | 8:00 PM |
| February 28 | Everton | Premier League | 3:00 PM |
In this challenging period, Howe remains committed and recognizes the need for improvement. As he ponders tactical adjustments and team selection, the upcoming matches will be crucial in determining Newcastle’s direction during this strenuous time.
