The Pressure's On: Can Eddie Howe Turn Newcastle's Season Around?

Eddie Howe's Newcastle United, A Season of Mixed Fortunes

Eddie Howe's Newcastle United faces a crucial period as they navigate a challenging season. Can the manager keep his job and lead the team to success?

Newcastle United's 2025/26 season has been off to a stuttering start, with the team managing only nine goals in their opening matches...

Newcastle United's current 12th-place position in the Premier League standings might raise concerns about Eddie Howe's tenure as manager. Despite a promising start in previous seasons, the team has struggled to replicate that form this year, with only three wins, three draws, and three losses.

The team's inability to build on last season's top-four finish and Champions League qualification could put pressure on Howe's position. While winning the EFL Cup was a significant achievement, it may not be enough to guarantee his long-term future at the club if the team's league performance doesn't improve.

Eddie Howe's tactical flexibility and ability to adapt to different situations have been key to Newcastle's success in recent seasons. However, the team's inconsistent form this year suggests that Howe may need to make adjustments to his strategy if the team is to achieve its goals and secure a top-six finish in the Premier League.

History repeating for Newcastle

It's worth remembering that two seasons ago, when the Magpies were last in the premier European competition, their league form really suffered, and injuries certainly didn't help.

There already seems to be a symmetry of sorts to that 2023/24 campaign, though they have at least won two of their three UCL games to date, losing the other to Barcelona and a resurgent Marcus Rashford.

Newcastle's new striker Nick Woltemade has been in excellent form, scoring six goals in 11 games. To join the club's top 10 scorers of the past five seasons, he'd need to score just 10 more goals.

Alexander Isak currently tops the list, having scored 62 goals and provided 10 assists in 109 games for Newcastle before his transfer to Liverpool. No other player has scored more than 49 goals in the same period.

Newcastle's Struggles Amidst 

Change and Financial Constraints

Losing Alexander Isak's firepower was always going to be a significant blow, and the Magpies haven't been helped by the off-pitch upheaval, including issues with the sporting director. Additionally, they've had to navigate the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules, which limit their spending power.

The PSR regulations were arguably introduced to prevent clubs like Newcastle from overspending to attract top talent. Whether the owners like it or not, these rules have seriously impacted their ability to win trophies. The team's inability to land top targets has made their maiden Premier League title seem like a distant dream.

Given the circumstances, Eddie Howe has achieved remarkable results as Newcastle United's manager. In 187 games, he's secured 95 wins, 40 draws, and 52 losses, boasting a win percentage of 50.8%. This impressive record surpasses that of several predecessors.

The 50.8% win rate is a testament to Howe's managerial prowess, especially considering the team's recent history. Fans would undoubtedly trade nothing for the UCL win over Paris Saint-Germain and the Carabao Cup final win over Liverpool, highlighting the significance of these achievements.

Newcastle's Struggles Continue

Newcastle United's 2025/26 season has been off to a stuttering start, with the team managing only nine goals in their opening matches. This puts them near the bottom of the league in terms of goal scoring, with only three teams scoring fewer goals.

The Magpies have shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency has been an issue. They've managed to score six goals in just three games - 2-3 against Liverpool, 2-1 against Fulham, and 2-0 against Nottingham Forest. Despite some impressive football, Newcastle's inability to find the back of the net consistently has been a major concern.

New signing Yoane Wissa's absence has been deeply felt, particularly in terms of his expected goalscoring contributions. His potential return to action in early November couldn't come at a better time for Newcastle United.

The Carabao Cup has offered some respite from the pressures of the Premier League season. The Magpies are close to securing another Wembley date, pending a quarter-final win against Fulham in mid-December. If they progress, they could face tough opponents like Arsenal, Chelsea, or Manchester City in the semi-finals.

Five wins in our last six games 💪 pic.twitter.com/HlSgSxTYvs

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) October 30, 2025

The Pressure on Eddie Howe

The Premier League is the main priority for most clubs, and another season of mid-table mediocrity might not be well-received by Newcastle's Saudi owners, who likely expected more significant success. Given the high stakes, it's understandable that the owners might consider making changes if the team's league position and performance levels don't improve.

Managers are often the first to be held accountable in such situations, and Eddie Howe is well aware of this reality. Despite his best efforts, if the team fails to deliver, he may be the one to face the consequences. While this might seem unfair, it's a harsh reality that many managers in professional football face.

Some creative transfer dealings in January could be just what Newcastle United needs to re-energize a squad that's currently lacking momentum. With Nick Woltemade already proving himself as a hero on Tyneside and top scorer for the team, his absence due to injury would be deeply felt.

The next couple of months will be crucial in defining the Magpies' season. If the current status quo remains unchanged after January, Eddie Howe will face significant pressure to deliver results, and his position may become increasingly untenable despite his efforts to implement attractive football.