Newcastle insider states Toon could soon be ‘in crisis’ amid one thing which has ‘really hurt’ Eddie Howe
Eddie Howe has had one thing go against him this season at Newcastle, as an insider predicts when talk over his future could begin at the club.
Newcastle’s 3-1 defeat at Brentford leaves the Toon winless on the road in the Premier League since April and sitting just two points above the relegation zone.
Matt Le Tissier had a dig at Howe post Brentford, as scrutiny begins to increase on the Newcastle manager.
Form at St James’ Park meanwhile has remained strong, with only Premier League leaders Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona in the Champions League, having beaten Newcastle at home this season.
Yoane Wissa injury issues have ‘hurt’ Newcastle
Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, [12 November], The Telegraph’s Northern Football Writer, Luke Edwards, believes it could be as early as Christmas when talk of Newcastle being in “crisis” emerge.
Edwards explained how Yoane Wissa’s injury problems at Newcastle have not help Howe or fellow striker Nick Woltemade: “Woltemade could be and still will be a good player for Newcastle but I think the injury to Wissa has absolutely hammered them because Wissa was the more like for like replacement for Isak.
“They would have been rotated, they would have played in different games. You could say Woltemade would have been more suited to the Champions League games and Wissa would have played in the Premier League. He’s got a bit of speed, he will run in-behind, he will stretch defences.
“That injury without even kicking a ball at the start of the season has really hurt Newcastle.
“They are struggling to adapt to Woltemade, I think he looks jaded and I think he looks tired and in an ideal world he would have been taken out of the firing line
| Minutes Played | 616 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Shots | 13 |
| Chances Created | 4 |
| Dribble Success % | 40% |
“He [Eddie Howe] has solved every problem that has come up for him at Newcastle over the last four years and I would back him.
“If they are still struggling at Christmas, if they’re still struggling in January then I think we can start having these conversations about is the team in crisis, is the club in crisis and what are they going to do.”
Wissa expected to return after international break
Wissa is expected to make his first appearance for Newcastle after the international break, but Howe may lose him again in December due to the African Cup of Nations.
Despite the lack of options at his disposal, William Osula has been limited to late cameos from the bench, meaning another forward may be on Howe’s list in the January transfer market.
Signing proven Premier League quality in January will be difficult for the club, though it may be necessary if they’re to climb the table and challenge for the European places.