‘It’s a real concern for Eddie Howe’ – Newcastle troubles take new twist
Newcastle United have endured a mixed start to the season so far with their Premier League performances failing to live up to expectations.
Eddie Howe’s side lost 3-1 to West Ham last time out, meaning they have now won just three of their ten league games this season and have dropped to 13th place.
Alan Shearer branded Newcastle’s defeat “unacceptable”, with frustrations beginning to grow amongst the supporters despite their impressive Champions League displays.
While the heavy defeat against Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side has led to frustrations at St James’ Park, it has only raised further concerns surrounding their away form.
Their poor performances on the road have become worrying, as they are without a win away from home since beating Leicester in April, and have won just four away games in 2025.
Newcastle squad asking questions of away record
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 4 November that Newcastle’s away form is a “huge problem” and must be resolved quickly.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, questions are being asked inside the Newcastle squad about their dismal away run, with the record starting to become a major concerns for Howe and his side.
The Magpies’ visit to Brentford on 9 November will prove another stern test for them, with the Bees always hard to beat at home, but they must turn around their away form.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “I think questions will be asked within that Newcastle United squad.
“Eddie Howe will be scratching his head, wondering how they are so Jekyll and Hyde when it comes to their home and away form.
“Their home form has been very impressive, with five straight wins following their win against Athletic Club in the Champions League in midweek.
“If Newcastle want to finish in the Champions League places, they’re going to have to sort out this away from, because it’s a major concern for them.
“Their last away win was in April, and they’ve only won four league games on their travels in all of 2025, so that will be a real concern for Eddie Howe.
“They’ve got a big game away to Brentford, and that will be a test because you know it’s going to be a tough game going away to Brentford.
“Newcastle really need to stand up and need to end this away form as soon as possible if they are to sort of meet their ambitions this season.”
This comes after Brown told Football Insider on 20 October that Newcastle are asking questions of Howe with suggestions he could soon come under pressure.
Eddie Howe facing tough Brentford test
Newcastle’s visit to Brentford has now taken on new importance for the Magpies, who are determined to put an end to their dismal run of form on the road.
Keith Andrews‘ side have won three, drawn one and lost one of their five home games so far this season, including wins against the likes of Liverpool and Man United.
It is expected to be a significant test for the Magpies, and a defeat could see them drop as low as 17th in the league table depending on results elsewhere.
However, Football Insider revealed that Newcastle’s hierarchy are not concerned about Howe and are confident of resolving the issues with their performances this season.
Brown told Football Insider on 23 October that the real reason for Newcastle’s struggles has been the chaos caused by Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool.
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