Three goals for Evan Ferguson – and three straight league defeats for Eddie Howe. While the 18-year-old gave further evidence of his remarkable talent, his ability has never really been in doubt, perhaps since he made his debut at 14 for Bohemians but certainly since he scored against Arsenal and Everton in successive games around the turn of the year. More significant may be this run of poor form for Howe. For the first time, we will see how the Saudi project responds to disappointment.
Howe, understandably, remains popular among fans and the work he did last season to drive Newcastle into the top four should not be downplayed or quickly forgotten. There is no sense of immediate pressure but for the first time at Newcastle, tactical questions are beginning to be asked.
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