- Pressure mounting on Eddie Howe following Crystal Palace defeat
- Paul Merson defends Newcastle United boss
- ‘Ridiculous’ to suggest there is any pressure
Many Newcastle United supporters believe this is truly the beginning of the end for their manager, Eddie Howe, after they suffered another Premier League defeat, this time losing 2-1 to Crystal Palace.
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson suggested that any notion that the 48-year-old is under any pressure to be sacked is completely ludicrous.
He said: “When I hear about Eddie Howe under pressure, it makes me laugh. He brought them their first trophy in what will have felt like a million years. It’s ridiculous any talk of pressure.”
Many in the Toon Army love Howe for what he’s done for the club, but feel it is the necessary time to make the change.
Paul Merson believes pressure unfair on Newcastle United manager
The defeat means that Oliver Glasner’s side now move ahead of the Black and Whites, as they fall to 14th. They have very little to play for this season with six games remaining, as any European hopes are extremely slim.
The former Arsenal player believes this is the reason why things have turned so sour on Tyneside. He added: “They are almost in nothing territory, and it’s quite hard after the highs they have had.”
This time last season, the Magpies were fighting their way into the Champions League positions, with Alexander Isak being instrumental in their success, but his sale in the summer to Premier League rivals Liverpool has had long-term effects.
Merson hopes that this won’t be something that troubles the club again this summer, with key players linked away.
He said: “The real problem is that it looks like Sandro Tonali might leave, Bruno (Guimaraes) might leave – those are the things that should worry Newcastle fans. But they are still a good team.
“When they have got a full team, all on it, they give anyone a game.”
Lewis Miley returned after a period out of the team at Selhurst Park, while captain Bruno Guimaraes remains out. This is a key reason why Howe should be given some space to work through the issues this season.
Merson added: “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.”
Fan view: Eddie Howe has questions to answer
The decision will fully be in the board’s hands this season when it comes to the managerial position, and many wouldn’t be opposed to seeing their current manager depart.
Merson looks at his success, such as the Carabao Cup, but that’s something the club should have built upon, which they have failed miserably to do.
Sure, injuries have been a cause of concern, but there have been plenty of uncharacteristic traits that have occurred on the pitch this season.
Newcastle’s lack of clean sheets and throwing away points from leading positions are inexcusable for their manager, who has dropped the ball in these instances.
Add to that the fact that nearly every summer signing hasn’t worked, perhaps except for Malick Thiaw, there can only be one place the finger can be pointed to.
Merson believes the pressure is ridiculous, but it’s completely justified, and it will continue to ramp up if no clear signs of improvement are there in the final six outings.
In other news, Premier League Supercomputer: Where Newcastle United are predicted to finish after Crystal Palace defeat.
