Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe took his side to Arsenal on Saturday evening already under pressure, and a 1-0 defeat won’t have helped his cause.
The Magpies are now on a five-match run of defeats across all competitions. The last time Newcastle won was the 1-0 victory over Chelsea on March 14.
The Tyneside outfit are 14th in the Premier League and eight points off the top six, which will have been Howe’s target set at the beginning of the campaign.
Eddie Howe pressure increases after Arsenal defeat
Having had their character questioned against Crystal Palace and AFC Bournemouth since the international break, it was an improved performance against Arsenal. The Magpies dominated for large parts, almost opening the scoring through William Osula.
Yoane Wissa also had the chance to net a leveller late on but fluffed his lines. Howe’s side continue to lack a cutting edge, despite spending over £100 million on strikers Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade last summer.
Both of those bagsmen were on the bench once again this weekend, with fans frustrated by Howe’s team selection. Lewis Hall was also dropped despite being one of the team’s brighter sparks this year.
When asked about his selection before the game, Howe said: “We’ve made changes based on the fact that we need a result.
“Nick is an experienced goalkeeper. Aaron has done very well but we’re delighted to welcome Nick back. With the other changes, there’s a consideration for the opposition that we are playing.”
Next Newcastle United manager odds
In recent weeks, several managers have been linked as potential replacements for Howe. The Newcastle manager is thought to still have the backing of the club board but will meet with representatives of the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund this week.
Following the defeat to Arsenal, these are the latest odds on coaches who could become the next Newcastle United manager.
- Jose Mourinho – 2/1
- Andoni Iraola – 2/1
- Oliver Glasner – 6/1
- Roberto Mancini – 8/1
- Marco Silva – 10/1
- Xavi – 12/1
- Kieran McKenna – 16/1
- Gareth Southgate – 20/1
- Frank Lampard – 20/1
- Adi Hutter – 25/1
Former Chelsea and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is the current frontrunner. The veteran is currently working at Benfica but has been outspoken about his willingness to return to the Premier League.
Mourinho has somewhat of an emotional link to Newcastle through his idol Sir Bobby Robson. The manager also has a clause in his Benfica contract that would facilitate a change in clubs this summer.
AFC Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has confirmed that he will walk away from the Vitality Stadium this summer. The Spaniard has been regularly linked with Newcastle but the club would no doubt face competition from Premier League rivals.
Oliver Glasner is in a similar position with his Crystal Palace exit confirmed, while Marco Silva is also out of contract at Craven Cottage. Coventry City manager Frank Lampard is an outsider but will surely stay with the club he has just had promoted from the Championship.
In other news, Newcastle United Player Ratings: ‘Poor’ 3/10 and ‘frazzled’ 4 as Arsenal edge win.
