Eddie Howe faced renewed scrutiny after Newcastle United's third consecutive Premier League defeat, a 2-1 loss at home to Bournemouth. The result left fans booing from the Gallowgate End, and Howe's customary post-match lap of appreciation grew shorter as the stadium emptied.
Claims that Howe was detained by club officials for crisis talks after the match have been dismissed as false. The manager conducted his standard briefing with sporting director Ross Wilson and performance director James Bunce.
Newcastle's form has been alarming: they have lost eight of their last 11 league matches, more than any other Premier League side in that period. According to Opta, they sit fourth bottom in the form table since matchday 23, level on points with Wolves and separated from the relegation zone only by goal difference.
Kieran Trippier, facing the media after the match, acknowledged the team's shortcomings. "We're so disappointed and frustrated," he said. "As a senior player I'll take any criticism that comes my way. We've fallen short this year." Trippier also noted the dressing room is hurting, but stressed the need to stick together.
An end-of-season performance assessment is expected, with Chronicle Live reporting that only a "sober analysis" of Howe's record will occur. Howe himself admitted: "We are not delivering what we want and we have to accept that. I'm beginning to say the same things as well."
