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Eddie Howe isn't typically prone to dramatics or grand media statements. So by his standards, his media briefing after Sunday’s loss to West Ham counts as a angry tirade. His side scored first but the opposition took the lead by the interval, while also hitting the post and having a penalty overturned by VAR, leading Howe to execute a triple change at the break.

“That was the frustrating thing about the first half,” Howe stated. “I almost could have taken anyone off and I think that was a reflection of where we were in that moment during the match and it's extremely uncommon for me to have that impression. Actually, I cannot recall having done so since I’ve been head coach of the club, so I felt the team needed some shaking up at half-time. This explains why I made those decisions.”

Three key players all came off at the interval and Newcastle managed to steady to an extent in the second half, but never really looking like they might fight back into the contest against a side that had secured just a single victory of their last nine fixtures. Considering how packed the centre of the table is, with just three points dividing the top spots from mid-table, and nine points between second and 17th, a run of 12 points from ten matches has not placed the Magpies stranded but, similarly, they cannot end the campaign in thirteenth place.

The Problem of Expectations

The challenge to an extent is one of perception. With the Saudi PIF, Newcastle possess the wealthiest backers in the globe. The assumption at the time the PIF acquired a majority stake of the club in 2021 was that it would bring a game-changing impact, as the former Chelsea owner had at Chelsea or the City Group had at Manchester City. The difference is that those two owners assumed control prior to the introduction of financial fair play regulations (while the current allegations against City relate to whether they breached those regulations once they were implemented).

Profit and sustainability restrictions limit the ability of owners, however rich, to spend money on their teams and so in that sense probably would have hindered every Saudi attempt to raise the team to the standard of Manchester City. But it wasn't necessary for the club's expenditure to have been so restrained as it has been; they might have spent more and stayed inside the threshold – or just accepted a relatively meagre European fine since their big problem is primarily with the continental than the Premier League regulation.

Infrastructure Spending and PSR Rules

Additionally, infrastructure spending is exempted from Profit and Sustainability calculations; the easiest way to increase revenue to create more financial flexibility would be to expand or redevelop the stadium. Given the site of St James’ Park, with listed buildings on multiple sides, practically that probably means building an completely new stadium. Rumors circulated in spring of possibly making the short move to Leazes Park – opposition from community organizations might have been surmounted with a promise to build a replacement green space on the existing stadium site – but there has been any progress on that plan. There has occurred substantial cutbacks from the Saudi fund on a variety of initiatives as it refocuses on domestic affairs; the approach to the football club seems completely in keeping with that strategic shift.

Player Sales Situation

The Alexander Isak episode was arose from that conflict. A more confident management could have framed his sale as essential to free up capital for additional investment; rather there was a vain attempt to keep him. That meant the team began the season amidst a sense of disappointment despite the signings of several new players. The opening was mixed: one win in their initial six games.

Yet it appeared a corner was reached. They secured five in six prior to the weekend, a streak that featured convincing wins of a Belgian side and Benfica in the European competition. That’s why the display against West Ham was so surprising. The issue perhaps is that the team's approach is very aggressive, very high-octane; a slight drop-off in intensity can have significant consequences. Perhaps the pressure of Premier League, European and Carabao Cup competition, five fixtures in 15 days, had taken its toll. Woltemade featured in each of those games and looked especially weary.

Reality of Modern Soccer

That’s the nature of modern the sport. Managers must be prepared to rotate. Howe has been unfortunate that Wissa’s injury has left him lacking forward choices but, no matter how reasonable the reasons, Sunday’s showing was inexcusable –especially following scoring first at a ground primed to criticize its own side.

The Newcastle boss will wish it was just a blip, one of those days when all players is off-colour simultaneously, but if Newcastle are to secure the Champions League next season, let alone eventually mount an genuine championship bid, they cannot be as inconsistent as this.