It’s starting to look like the wheels are coming off a bit, isn’t it?
Though plenty of teams have and will continue to lose Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, the defeat leaves Eddie Howe’s both chasing the top four and looking over their shoulder.
While the gap to fourth-placed Tottenham remains at four points, Liverpool, Fulham and Brighton are all within three points of Howe’s men.
Given how the goals have dried up too, it’s not difficult to imagine the attacking problems continuing against Wolves and Nottingham Forest either, particularly as they are games in which Newcastle will largely be expected to take the game to the opposition.
Indeed, there are reasons to worry.
Bruno Guimaraes injury latest
After the game on Saturday, Howe confirmed star midfielder Bruno Guimaraes was still suffering from the ankle problem that forced him off in the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United.
Even during the City game, the Brazil international required treatment, although he did manage to get through the full 90 minutes.
After the game, Howe said (via The Chronicle): “I thought Bruno was maybe showing the effects of that knock he had on the ankle last week.”
Midfield problems mounting
Newcastle’s struggles without Guimaraes are well-documented. Yet to win without the former Lyon star this season, the idea of him not being fully fit for two must-win games is hugely concerning.
That, coupled with Joelinton’s suspension following his tenth yellow card of the season, hardly makes for ideal reading.
With only Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff remaining as the other options, Newcastle simply do not have time for a Guimaraes injury. He is simply too important to the cause and the extent to which the team relies on him underlines the lack of squad depth.
Wrap him in cotton wool as much as possible.