Howe insists that United haven't gone 'backwards'

Eddie Howe has insisted that Newcastle United have not gone 'backwards' this season, despite collecting one fewer point than they did at the corresponding stage of last campaign and needing to win their next five Premier League matches just to ensure that difference doesn't increase.

- by Joe Buck

However, it’s not just the comparison of points totals that has fans worried this season.

The Magpies have won just once away from home in the league, they have conceded a lot of late goals, there is a lack of intensity within games and, crucially, and there is a general feeling that this team are not as good as the one Howe could name 12 months ago - despite a very heavy summer spend.