Are the Magpies safe?published at 13:05 BST 27 April
13:05 BST 27 April
Image source, Getty Images
Newcastle's performance against Arsenal may have been more positive on Saturday, but it still resulted in their ninth defeat in 12 games.
The Magpies started 2026 in a good position to challenge for a European spot, but a decline in form means they have now dropped down to 14th.
Mathematically, Eddie Howe's side could still be relegated from the Premier League as they have just an eight point advantage over Tottenham, who are in 18th, with four games remaining.
"I don't see them being in any imminent threat, but they are on free-fall and their season has imploded," said the Telegraph's northern football writer Luke Edwards on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.
If Newcastle fail to maintain their Champions League status, and lose out on the associated financial benefits, it is understood they will need to sell at least one - potentially two - prized assets in order to strengthen for the 2026-27 campaign.
Some of Newcastle's best players - Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes and Tino Livramento - are already attracting Premier League interest.
"There are some players that have been accused of already having one eye elsewhere," added Edwards. "It's a very tense and nervous football club at the moment. Very angry too if you go on social media."
Do you worry Newcastle could get dragged into the relegation scrap based on current form? And what's going wrong for Eddie Howe's side? Can he fix it?
Jeffrey: Arsenal need to understand where the goals are coming from. The title run-in dictates that several goals in the remaining four matches is required. Moving the ball at pace between the players had the best results. Now let's add a few shots.
Olivier: The Gunners continue to play very static and predictable football. And as they play with no ambition whatsoever, they get nervous and confused about their tactics. When will Arteta realise you win the title by positive, ambitious football?
Sam: Much-improved performance in a vital win. Could have scored more and definitely wasted a lot of chances, but we got the three points over the line, which is all that is needed at this stage. Eze showed his magic moments again - hopefully his injury isn't too bad. Four more finals and a big trip to Madrid in the week to come.
Edward: Three more points is all that matters at this stage of the league. Let's do it again next week against Fulham. After losing two matches back-to-back in the Premier League, this victory will do a lot of good for our momentum.
Newcastle fans
Paul: Unlucky not to get an equaliser and take a point. Osula, Guimaraes, Tonali, Burn and Wissa all had chances to score. We were caught out by a well-executed set-piece that we should have seen coming, but let's take the positives because this was a much improved performance on recent weeks.
Richard: This game didn't tell us a lot really. I must admit, I thought we might get thumped but we could have snatched a point at the end. There was more of the old team there but still not enough. That said, I'll give Wissa, Elanga and Woltemade next season to show what they can do. Same goes for Eddie. I think the whole club needs a reset.
Derek: A decent, fighting performance. Perhaps the negatives will be quiet for a while and let Eddie get on with the very good job - in difficult circumstances - that he is doing.
Samuel: A confusing season all round for Newcastle. It's hard to pinpoint the exact problem as the team has shown that they're more than capable of getting good results. I'm a big Eddie Howe fan and I haven't forgotten what he's done for the club. It will be interesting to see what the club does off the back of this latest defeat. It certainly doesn't seem worth replacing managers at this late juncture.
Gossip: Magpies in race to sign Jacksonpublished at 06:56 BST 27 April
06:56 BST 27 April
Newcastle have emerged as contenders to sign Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson, who will return to Chelsea in the summer after Bayern Munich confirmed they will not turn the 24-year-old's loan into a permanent move. (Talksport), external
Watch Premier League highlights and analysispublished at 11:07 BST 26 April
11:07 BST 26 April
Pundits Martin Keown and Steph Houghton join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Friday and Saturday's Premier League fixtures.
Analysis: Warning not heededpublished at 22:02 BST 25 April
22:02 BST 25 April
Ciaran Kelly Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Newcastle have had far worse defeats at Emirates Stadium over the years. The frustration for the visitors was they had been given advance warning before Eberechi Eze's opener, which ultimately decided this game.
Head coach Eddie Howe had Arsenal's aerial threat in mind with his team selection as he handed the 6ft 7in Dan Burn a rare start at left-back and recalled towering goalkeeper Nick Pope.
But Arsenal surprised the visitors by going short with each of their opening three corner routines.
The second should have sent alarm bells ringing after the unmarked Eze fired wide from outside the box, but Newcastle failed to take note and the midfielder opened the scoring from a similar position just a few minutes later.
Newcastle were left kicking themselves.
Arsenal have scored just two goals from short corners in the Premier League this season - and both have come against Howe's side.
The visitors could have gone under, but they didn't.
Blunt Newcastle have been so drained of confidence that they have looked reluctant to even shoot at times in recent weeks following damaging defeats by Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Barcelona.
That was not the case on Saturday.
Newcastle racked up plenty of efforts from distance but the visitors lacked an edge in the final third as the Emirates grew a little anxious, even after Howe turned to his bench and threw on Harvey Barnes, Yoane Wissa, Nick Woltemade and, finally, Anthony Elanga.
Howe's anguish on the touchline after a stretching Wissa volleyed over said it all as his side fell to a ninth defeat in 12 league games.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle United: What Howe saidpublished at 19:54 BST 25 April
19:54 BST 25 April
Media caption,
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We feel today was a big step forward in terms of our performance. It was much better from a defensive performance.
"To lose in the way we did was disappointing. We had a few chances and that was pleasing. We were much better with the ball and we are going to be with Bruno's return. We are frustrated to lose the game and the disappointing run continues which is something we want to stop.
"Performances always give you hope if they are heading in the right direction. Our confidence and belief has been missing but I think today will have turned the corner. Easy to say but now we need to deliver."
Is every game a final until the end of the season? "We're working as hard as we can to get results that justify the club we are at."
Did you know?
Newcastle kept a clean sheet in four of their first five Premier League games this season, which is as many as they have kept (four) in the 29 league matches they have played since then.
Newcastle's 16 losses in the Premier League this season is their most in a single campaign since 2020-21 (17). Nine of those defeats have come in 2026, which is the joint-most by a team in the Premier League this year (also nine for Tottenham and Burnley).
Arsenal v Newcastle: Team newspublished at 16:30 BST 25 April
16:30 BST 25 April
Image source, Getty Images
Mikel Arteta makes just one change to the side that lost to Manchester City last week. Ben White comes in for Cristhian Mosquera. There's good news for the Gunners too as Bukayo Saka returns to the matchday squad for the first time since the Carabao Cup Final defeat in March following an Achilles injury.
Arsenal starting XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard, Eze, Madueke, Havertz
Bruno Guimaraes starts as Newcastle United make five changes for the trip to the Emirates.
The Newcastle captain lines up from the off for the first time since February after returning to action as a substitute in the 2-1 defeat against Bournemouth last week following a spell out.
Nick Pope, Dan Burn, Joe Willock and Jacob Murphy have also been recalled as head coach Eddie Howe looks to end a four-game losing streak in all competitions.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play West Ham v Everton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Arsenal v Newcastle", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Arsenal v Newcastle Utdpublished at 11:04 BST 25 April
11:04 BST 25 April
I did not think Arsenal's defeat at Manchester City last week spelled the end of their title hopes and watching City struggle to put Burnley away on Wednesday must have been a boost for their players.
I know the result still knocked the Gunners off the top of the table but that was not the kind of performance that suggested Pep Guardiola's side are just going to march to the title from here.
However you want to view Arsenal's recent form, they know they are still in the race - especially because goal difference could decide the title.
I've been in this situation myself in a title race and, while I am sure both managers will say that it is just about making sure they win their own games, you cannot ignore the fact that the season starts now and goal difference could be important.
That's why, if I was an Arsenal player sat at home watching City against Burnley, I would have been thinking that 1-0 is OK for us.
They are level now, on points and goal difference, and the Gunners still have Burnley to play, but at home.
So, it is there for them, but they have to get past this game first.
Newcastle have given Arsenal a good game when they've met in recent seasons and there has been a bit of needle between the two sides.
Right now, though, Eddie Howe's side have a few injury problems on top of their dismal form.
They have dropped off their usual level and they look a bit flimsy to me. It feels like a good time to play them and I don't think this will be as close.
Arsenal v Newcastle: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:03 BST 24 April
19:03 BST 24 April
Arsenal have the chance to move three points clear of title rivals Manchester City if they can beat an out-of-form Newcastle at the Emirates on Saturday (17:30 BST). BBC Sport analyses the key talking points ahead of the match.
Gunners seek return to winning form
Arsenal's 209-day run at the top of the table came to an end on Wednesday night as Manchester City finally leapfrogged them on goals scored.
With the sides locked on 70 points and with an identical goal difference of +37, this looks set to be one of the tightest title races in history.
With City not in league action this weekend due to their FA Cup commitments, the Gunners have two home games before Pep Guardiola's side play again on Bank Holiday Monday, so could open up a six-point lead.
But to do that they must address their shocking run of form. After losing just three of their first 49 matches of the season in all competitions (W37, D9) they have lost four of the last six and have suffered back-to-back Premier League defeats for the first time since December 2023.
Mikel Arteta will be glad to see the arrival of May next week. Since he took charge of the Gunners they have taken just 40 points from 27 games played in April and a whopping 18% of all top-flight defeats the club have suffered under him have also been in the fourth month of the year.
Despite their recent wobbles Opta's supercomputer still has the Gunners as favourites to win the title at 65% and they will be buoyed by their excellent league record against Newcastle.
Howe under pressure as poor run goes on
Newcastle are in worse form than Arsenal having lost eight of their last 11 league games. In fact, only Tottenham and Burnley have lost more top-flight matches than Newcastle in 2026.
This relegation form has led to serious questions being asked of head coach Eddie Howe. He maintains he is still the right man for the job and that he will "fight to the end", but it will be interesting to see how much credit he has left in the bank as a result of leading them to their first domestic trophy for 70 years last season.
Legendary striker Alan Shearer cast doubt on whether Howe will still be at the helm next season and lambasted the players for their performance against Bournemouth. "They were terrible," he said on his podcast. "They chucked him under the bus, the players. It is a tough situation, a tough summer for Newcastle coming up. They have got some big decisions to make. As I am sat here, I don't see Eddie in charge of Newcastle next season, unfortunately."
Mitigation does comes in the form of key players being unavailable due to injury and the team Howe put out against the Cherries was their youngest starting XI in a Premier League game since May 2005, having an average age of just 24 years and 191 days.
The Geordies have no respite as they travel to the Emirates, a ground where they have managed just one league win in 17 attempts and none in the last 13. Only Stoke City, who have lost on all 10 of their visits, average fewer points per game than Newcastle do at the Emirates since it opened in 2006. They have taken a total of just five points from 51 available and have scored just one goal on their last nine trips.
Howe sends warning to squad before 'significant' summer windowpublished at 18:12 BST 24 April
18:12 BST 24 April
Ciaran Kelly Newcastle United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
It was always going to be a significant window at Newcastle United, but this summer could be even bigger than those inside the club imagined just a few months ago.
Head coach Eddie Howe recognised he has to ensure he is "delivering his best" to create a winning environment again as his future comes under increased scrutiny.
But he suggested the stakes were high for his squad following a run of eight defeats in 11 league games.
"If the team's not performing then, potentially, there might be bigger changes in the summer than was maybe previously first thought," he said.
"I think you have to react to what you see and that goes on a daily basis, a weekly basis, behind the scenes. It's about attitude, commitment to the team."
It may appear from the outside that Newcastle's season is as good as over, but it therefore still feels like there is a lot riding on these final five games, starting with Saturday's trip to Arsenal.
As poor as Newcastle's league record is at the Emirates, these are the sorts of matches in which Howe's team have traditionally raised their game.
They desperately need to once more in order to restore some pride.
"People will be looking closely at us at the moment and rightly so," he added.
"We need to give the right answers and we need to give the right feeling in terms of how we're conducting ourselves in these moments, which is where I think you're truly judged.
"We need to show really good strength of character. We're looking for a massive performance."
Howe on injuries, Woltemade and winningpublished at 10:29 BST 24 April
10:29 BST 24 April
Marissa Thomas BBC Sport journalist
Media caption,
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium (kick-off 17:30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Howe gave an update on defender Tino Livramento, who was injured against Bournemouth last Saturday. "He went for a scan initially, we don't think it's a bad injury. Wait and see whether he'll play again this season but he will have another scan at the weekend to determine the full extent of his time out."
He added Livramento is "very level-headed and stable mentally" but has had a "frustrating season, which is the life of a footballer".
On Anthony Gordon: "He won't make the game, hasn't trained this week. Not a serious injury but not in time for this game, hopefully the next one."
Howe said that Bruno Guimaraes "has had a full week of training and he has trained really well. He's such an important player for us on so many levels that of course we are keen to get him on the pitch as soon as possible".
On recruitment: "If the team is not performing, there may be bigger changes [in the summer] than first thought. The players understand the job they are in. There is a responsibility to be at your best."
On Newcastle's poor form: "We're all feeling that pain at the moment, we're determined to put that right and win as many games as possible. Players are lacking a bit of confidence but we can find that through hard work, good training and trying to enjoy their football and find their best form again. We need to perform most of all for our supporters."
Asked why Nick Woltemade isn't starting, Howe said: "It's difficult because our centre-forwards have been productive for us. Anthony Gordon played up front against Chelsea and Sunderland. Will Osula has come in and he has scored as the number nine so it's difficult. You have to reward players for what they deliver and at the moment, I have gone with a different option to Nick so there's no problem on his fitness. Obviously when he plays, he has to try and do the same and deliver the goals that we need."
He added on Woltemade and Yoane Wissa: "Like with every player that is not playing, they have to show their worth in training and that's their shop window for me to pick them. How they train, how they commit to the training and how much they are prepared to put individual disappointment to the side for the team to then come back fighting but I believe in both players still, I've got no issues with either of them. They have unique qualities to offer the team but it's got to be on merit and deserved. They are both outstanding players and will be better for next season."
On five wins out of five to secure European football: "Five wins out of five are needed for ourselves, for the club, for everybody. We aren't looking at it for Europe, we're looking at it like we need to win a game. First step is win a game and then try and win another one."
Howe said Newcastle "have lost a bit of confidence with the recent results that we have had" and hopes they will get back to their best levels "individually and collectively".
On criticism Anthony Elanga has faced: "He's handled everything that he has faced this season with real integrity. He will continue to improve and get better and he has so much potential. I really believe in him and hopefully he can finish the season strongly."
Howe said Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) meeting next week is "something that happens regularly" and he "always likes the chance to talk directly to the owners and express things".
You can hear Howe speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle on BBC Sounds here or by hitting play on the clip above
One of them put my way asked would selling a key player or multiple key players like Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Tino Livramento or Lewis Hall show the Public Investment Fund (PIF) are not committed to this project?
My answer is not necessarily.
It has always been made clear behind the scenes at Newcastle United that the club had the backing from the very top to spend to the maximum within the financial rules.
However, to generate the sorts of revenues needed to truly compete, Newcastle cannot just rely on owner funding like clubs did in a previous era given the regulations now in place.
In order to boost income streams, they therefore need to be regularly competing in the Champions League, find ways to turbocharge commercial revenue and trade more strategically.
That means departures are inevitable this summer as Newcastle are going to need to sell to rebuild, particularly if Eddie Howe's side miss out on the top five and any European football whatsoever, which is looking increasingly likely.
Personally, I think the biggest judge of the owners' commitment will be what happens with the club's infrastructure projects which, obviously, fall outside the Premier League and Uefa's financial regulations.
An announcement regarding a major capital investment is in the pipeline as we continue to wait for updates on the possible site for a new state-of-the-art training base and a decision on the future of St James' Park.
A PIF delegation are due on Tyneside next week for a series of summits and I would expect their commitment to the club to be underlined then after the fund scaled back a number of other investments elsewhere.
Newcastle's hierarchy speak to the PIF every day and maintain the owners remain deeply supportive.
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Are Magpies closer than you think?published at 11:49 BST 22 April
11:49 BST 22 April
Image source, Getty Images
The Newcastle United page you are currently visiting has been packed with debate over Eddie Howe's future and the Magpies' perceived failings this season.
Too reliant on Bruno Guimaraes? Missing Alexander Isak? Not getting enough from new strikers? The list of reasons and frustrations is abundant.
This weekend Howe's side go to Arsenal having lost eight of their past 11 Premier League matches. In that timeframe - since late January - no side has lost more in the Premier League.
It is an ugly statistic but does it hide the fine margins Howe is paying so dearly for?
In their past nine Premier League matches Newcastle have either been won (three) or lost (six) by exactly one goal.
In top-flight history, there have only been three occasions a team had 10 or more successive games settled by exactly one goal - Everton between October and December 1911 (10), West Ham between December 1964 and February 1965 (10) and Southampton in March and April 1992 (12).
So while Newcastle are struggling, they are coming down on the wrong side of tight fixtures.
Reason for hope maybe, within the sea of questions.
Gossip: Newcastle in the race for 16-year-old Eduardopublished at 07:25 BST 22 April
07:25 BST 22 April
Barcelona are leading the race for Eduardo Conceicao, with Newcastle United, Manchester City and Manchester United also interested in the 16-year-old Palmeiras forward. Any move to Europe could not happen until he turns 18 next year. (TeamTalk), external
Newcastle and Chelsea on two sides of the same coinpublished at 16:15 BST 21 April
16:15 BST 21 April
Pat Nevin Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty Images
Disappointment is morphing into the resentment of having to watch the same movie, with the same depressing ending, time and again at Newcastle United.
This season's plot has to have an uplifting ending, or else the club will lose trust in manager Eddie Howe.
For Chelsea down at Stamford Bridge, the anger of the 'legacy fans' was creeping towards resignation, but the protest before their latest loss to Manchester United has shown there is some fight left with the supporters.
They feel let down by a club spinning towards mid-table mediocrity, after spending a king's ransom, but also feel disregarded by an ownership who appear arrogant and aloof, and do not want to listen to them.
One fan said: "BlueCo have stolen my club." This is harsh, they legally bought it and feel they have the right to do whatever they like with it.
But for many Chelsea fans right now, bought or stolen - the two outcomes feel the same.
'Relegation form is not OK'published at 10:47 BST 21 April
10:47 BST 21 April
Charlotte Robson Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Another week, another loss. This is a familiar feeling for Newcastle fans. It was once our comfort zone. But it was our comfort zone when we were told our only ambition was to keep "ticking along" and to stay in the Premier League by the skin of our teeth. That has not been the stated ambition for some time now, so you can see why this feels extra jarring and difficult.
This weekend's game brought the Eddie Howe question closer to the surface. My concern going into St James' Park on Saturday was the crowd. We're a vocal fanbase; if we don't like what's happening at our club that will make itself heard. That in itself is fine - but I was worried about the potential toxicity of it all.
This has been a divisive time. At least under previous managers, when things were bad, there wasn't any particular historic success to hark back to. No goodwill to tide the manager over for some. This time is different.
As it was, the stadium made it clear that what was happening on the pitch on Saturday was unacceptable. Boos at half time, boos at Tonali's substitution, boos at full time. They weren't overwhelming - and they were punctuated with some songs getting behind the manager and team - but they were there and louder than they have been.
It felt to me like we were trying to make ourselves clear without being disrespectful. Relegation form is not OK. The players' apparent lack of interest is not OK. But we are still grateful for the incredible memories we have from this management.
Whatever change happens - player shake-up, manager shake-up, a secret third shake-up nobody has told me about - we will be there. We love our club. That's why the past few months have been so painful.
Image source, Getty Images
