Where the Newcastle United board now expect Eddie Howe to finish this season

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It is already proving to be a difficult season for Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe.

His side have not started the Premier League season well, but that has only translated to one defeat. Newcastle United have got 10 points from their opening five games, and sit sixth in the table.

However, performances have not been reflective of the results. That only changed on Saturday when Newcastle United lost 3-1 to Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Alan Shearer criticised Newcastle for their lack of intensity, and it remains to be seen what Eddie Howe will be able to achieve this season. There is also the added issue of the transfer market, with Toon officials failing to seriously enhance the squad at St James’ Park.

That should result in expectations being lowered.

What is expected of Eddie Howe at Newcastle United this season

Had a centre-back and a winger arrived, it would only be right that a lot is expected of Eddie Howe. That would mean he had been backed by the owners, and that it would be up to him to deliver what was expected.

Alas, that investment did not come, yet there are still lofty expectations at St James’ Park.

According to iNews, the Newcastle United board are expecting Howe to guide the Magpies back into Europe, after missing out last season.

They also report that the club’s long-term goals are currently being redrafted, despite PIF‘s continued desire for Newcastle United to be the ‘best in class’.

Position	Team	PlayedMP	WonW	DrawnD	LostL	ForGF	AgainstGA	DiffGD	PointsPts
4	ArsenalArsenal	5	3	2	0	8	3	5	11
5	ChelseaChelsea	5	3	1	1	11	5	6	10
6	NewcastleNewcastle	5	3	1	1	7	6	1	10
7	BrightonBrighton	5	2	3	0	8	4	4	9

Newcastle have the bonus of no Europe

Given the level of competition, it will be very difficult for Howe to get Newcastle United back into Europe. However, it is certainly very achievable when you consider the wealth of talent he has on Tyneside.

There is also the added bonus of not being in Europe. After missing out last season due to Manchester United’s FA Cup win, Newcastle can focus solely on their domestic duties.

Being in the Champions League really took its toll on the Magpies last season, but that will not be an issue during the 2024/25 campaign.

With no distractions, the hope will be that Newcastle can replicate the form that saw them do so well in the 2022/23 season when they came fourth.

Newcastle United have a very tough run of games

Howe’s team have struggled to excel so far this season, and there is a real need for the Magpies’ best players to stand up and deliver.

Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon were arguably Newcastle’s three best players last year, yet they have not started the new campaign very well.

The defeat to Fulham was a reality check, and Newcastle need to raise their game amid a difficult run of fixtures – starting against Manchester City on Saturday. Pep Guardiola’s side will be without Rodri at St James’ Park, while Erling Haaland has avoided suspension and is available to play against Newcastle.

Three of Newcastle’s next five league games are against members of the ‘big six’, while that clash with Brighton will also be very challenging given the way in which they have started the season.

In terms of points, Newcastle are on track. However, the performances need to improve. Otherwise, there will be no return to Europe, and that could result in Howe becoming under pressure on Tyneside.

It is clear what Howe must deliver, as PIF continue their quest to guide Newcastle United to the top.