Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Sun 19 April 2026 10:30, UK

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Eddie Howe is seriously testing the resolve of Newcastle United decision-makers as the pressure on his job grows by the day.

The Englishman led his team to a fourth consecutive loss on Saturday when they were beaten 2-1 by Bournemouth at St James’ Park.

The visitors took the lead in the first half through Marcus Tavernier, before Will Osula equalised for Newcastle after the break.

But the Magpies faded as the game drew on, with Adrien Truffert netting the winner in the final stages.

Departing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been tipped to be the next Newcastle manager, and the Spaniard looked to have made a point on Saturday.

Match of the Day reveal dismal Newcastle United picture

Football Insider exclusively revealed on Saturday that Howe has a 50-50 chance of leaving Newcastle this summer, with patience being tested at St James’ Park.

Decision-makers have been keen to back the 48-year-old, who has been in charge since 2021 and has led the Magpies to the Champions League twice.

But there is only so much that can be ignored this season, with Newcastle suffering a significant collapse.

While much of it was funded by the sale of Alexander Isak, the Magpies spent around £250million on five new players last summer.

With the possible exception of Malick Thiaw, those signings have failed, with Howe’s side looking hopeless in the Premier League.

Newcastle have won just one of their last seven games across all competitions, and the stats behind their last 10 Premier League games are frightening.

In stats revealed by BBC Match of the Day on Saturday, the Magpies rank 18th for goals conceded (20) across the last 10 games, 19th for expected goals against (20.3), and 20th for quality of shots faced (0.14).

Ashley Williams gives brutal Newcastle verdict

Calls for Howe to be sacked appear to be growing by the match, with Newcastle’s resolve being massively tested.

The Englishman appeared hopeless in his post-match interview, struggling, at times, for the words to explain his team’s capitulation.

“This is relegation form in their last 10 Premier League games, which is a worry and which is why there’s groans and boos at the end of the game today,” Ashley Williams said on Saturday.

“Defensively, they were very poor – and that’s the whole team, not just the defence. To me, they look very fatigued, whether that’s mentally, physically, or both.

“They just seem to be trying to hold onto their old identity and they can’t execute that like they used to.”

For now, Howe remains safe, but there is a growing feeling that his tenure is coming to an end. The question posed to decision-makers is when?