Results have slipped since Champions League qualification in 2023, but the manager retains the support of fans

Not too shabby at all. After rescuing Newcastle from seemingly near-certain relegation in his first season, a fourth-placed finish in 2022-23 secured Champions League qualification at the end of a campaign when the club lost the Carabao Cup final to Manchester United. If multiple injuries proved largely responsible for last term’s mildly disappointing seventh place, fears the former Bournemouth manager could be approaching the end of his St James’ Park shelf life have surfaced after five Premier League games without a win, a slide to 12th and the scoring of only nine goals in nine league games. Tellingly, Howe looked hugely relieved after Wednesday’s Carabao Cup victory against Chelsea but will be back under scrutiny when Arsenal visit on Saturday.