Eddie Howe has admitted that his annual meeting with Newcastle United's hierarchy next week will be "slightly harder" following a difficult run of results. The Magpies suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday night, extending their winless streak in the Premier League to four matches.
Frustrating defeat to Arsenal
Newcastle arguably deserved at least a point from the encounter, but they failed to find the net when it mattered most. Eberechi Eze scored the decisive goal, curling the ball into the top corner. The loss was the Magpies' fourth consecutive Premier League game without a victory, and they have now won only two of their last eight league matches: a 1-0 home win over Manchester United and a 1-0 away victory at Chelsea. During this period, they were also eliminated from the Champions League by Barcelona, losing 8-3 on aggregate.
Howe's admission
Speaking after the match, Howe revealed that he will hold talks with the club's owners at St. James' Park. He told Sky Sports: "These are things that we always have every year. Obviously this one will be slightly harder for me, I'm sure, but it will be good to meet with the owners and discuss the future."
While some supporters have become disillusioned with recent performances, former player Jamie Redknapp argued that Howe has earned the right to decide his own future. "I think Eddie has done enough to decide whatever he wants at the club," Redknapp said. "I think there's a genuine love for him up there. I think the fans will be disappointed with the season, understandably. They're 14th in the league, and they'll have expected a lot more. He deserves the opportunity and the luxury of deciding what happens."
Redknapp also questioned Newcastle's recruitment, noting that big-money signings such as Nick Woltemade, Anthony Elanga, and Yoane Wissa have not been starting regularly. "There's obviously something not right with the recruitment," he added.
Pundits back Howe
Paul Merson also defended Howe, stating: "I'm a big fan of Eddie Howe. If Eddie Howe leaves Newcastle, they'll be queuing up around the corner for him. Chelsea would take him tomorrow morning. He's a top manager. He's just had injuries and the Alexander Isak situation at the end of the season."
Merson highlighted Isak's importance, noting that he "ripped Arsenal to shreds" in the semi-finals last season. Newcastle currently sit 14th in the Premier League table, a position that has disappointed fans given their previous progress under Howe.
