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Newcastle has taken to the pitch 17 times this season, suffering six defeats.
Among those losses were narrow single-goal margins against Liverpool, Barcelona, and Arsenal. Yet, it seems Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is feeling the heat, at least from a small section of disgruntled supporters. Of course, all professional soccer managers are constantly under scrutiny, especially those leading ambitious, financially robust clubs.
But any suggestion that Newcastle's Saudi owner - the Public Investment Fund - should contemplate a change is frankly absurd. Great clubs are built on great managerial dynasties, and that's what Howe can establish at St. James' Park. If this season doesn't yield the rewards initially anticipated, then so be it.
Consistency is crucial. When you find the perfect leader, stick with him. It's as simple as that. Liverpool did it with Jurgen Klopp, Arsenal with Mikel Arteta. Manchester City, given its record and brilliance, has done it with Pep Guardiola. It appears Manchester United wants to follow suit with Ruben Amorim.
Howe, of course, has already spent a significant amount of time at Newcastle, last Saturday marking his fourth anniversary at the helm. It rarely works out this way, but for his achievements over these four years, he deserves another four-year tenure.
When he took the helm, Newcastle was languishing in 19th place in the Premier League table, having failed to secure a win in its first 11 matches. He propelled the Magpies to an 11th-place finish that season, followed by a fourth-place finish in 2022-23, seventh in 2023-24, and fifth in 2024-25. He's twice led the club to the League Cup final, clinching the club's first major trophy since 1969, and is currently navigating his second Champions League campaign.
Newcastle presently holds the sixth spot out of 36 in this season's Champions League standings. And there are whispers of Howe being under pressure? Really?
Admittedly, Newcastle's Premier League performance leaves room for critique, with the last two away defeats - at West Ham and Brentford - being particularly disheartening.
However, there are legitimate reasons for the poor start to the domestic challenge, not least the entire Alexander Isak saga. Regardless of who is deemed to have mishandled that situation worst - the player, Liverpool, or Newcastle - one thing is clear. Howe lost a prolific goal scorer... and they're few and far between.
Across the league, we see high-priced forwards taking time to find their feet, as is the case with Nick Woltemade, whose initial flurry of five goals in eight games has been followed by a streak of one in six.
It certainly doesn't help that his fellow striker recruit, Yoane Wissa, has yet to make his debut due to a knee injury.
Over the past six weeks, Tino Livramento's absence due to a knee injury sustained in the home defeat to Arsenal has been keenly felt. There are other fitness concerns, but Howe refuses to use them as excuses.
He recognizes his responsibility to enhance the performance of underperforming players or seek alternatives. He understands that it's his duty to devise a strategy that will boost his team's dwindling goal threat. He knows he must elevate Newcastle to a higher level of intensity, particularly when playing away.
But rest assured, Howe will get the job done. Newcastle's owner should be doing everything they can to ensure Howe remains at St. James' Park for another four years.
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