‘Newcastle Require Premier League Reboot Amid Curious Season

The conditions mirrored Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe’s dark mood on the team bus as he watched his side’s defeat against Brentford back on the long journey home last December.

A bruising loss at the Gtech Community Stadium left Newcastle languishing in the bottom half of the table, and led to Howe delivering some “harsh words” to his players.

It proved the basis for a reset that saw Newcastle embark on a nine-game winning run.

Nearly a year on, following another damaging defeat at Brentford, Newcastle look in need of a reboot once more.

They now sit just two points above the relegation zone before the visit of in-form Manchester City to St James’ Park on Saturday.

“We have been quite up front,” Howe said. “That’s my way of working. I don’t believe that you can be anything else. You’ve got to be honest.

“But you have got to think these players are playing so quickly that we can’t dwell that long.

“As much as you want to live in that place and spark a response, you’ve got to be quite short, sharp and direct and, right, it’s on to the future. The future can be very positive. It depends what picture you want to paint.”

Mentality and goal issues

Rather than seeking assurances from those above him, Howe has instead hunkered down during the international break.

He has watched games back, reviewed training and attempted to find answers to what has been a curious campaign to date.