Some interesting comments from this BBC Sport pundit on Eddie Howe and Newcastle United.
Chris Sutton speaking as United prepare for their 53rd match of the season.
Bournemouth the visitors to St James’ Park with six games to go.
The BBC Sport pundit declaring: “Newcastle are in a slump and their manager Eddie Howe looks tired. He could definitely do with a win, which is why losing late on against Sunderland and then Crystal Palace has been so damaging. They have now dropped 25 points from winning positions this season, five more than any other Premier League club.”
If Newcastle United had retained all of those leads, the extra 25 points would have seen Eddie Howe and his team second in the table.
Even just seeing out wins in these last two games would have seen United now level on points with sixth placed Chelsea.
The BBC Sport pundit declaring: “This is the ninth time Howe has faced Bournemouth as Newcastle boss in the Premier League, but he is yet to beat his old club. Saturday would be a very good time for him to change that.”
I find the use of this stat a little bit disingenuous, most of the games have been draws and Bournemouth have won just two, which when you include the fact that Eddie Howe has won in both cups against the Cherries, it gives a more balanced appraisal.
Chris Sutton adding: “The Cherries have been playing well and got a great win against Arsenal last weekend, but I am still going with Newcastle to beat them despite their recent poor results. That’s right, I am backing Eddie Howe – the law of averages means he has to get a result against Bournemouth some day.”
As I said earlier, Eddie Howe has already defeated Bournemouth twice, including in the very last clash, United beating them as recently as January in the FA Cup.
Whilst Bournemouth obviously pulled off a great win at Arsenal, they had drawn the five previous matches, including three goalless draws.
This isn’t going to be easy but it isn’t mission impossible for Eddie Howe and Newcastle United.