Eddie Howe has sent a strong message to any would-be critics, insisting he is ‘immune’ to their opinions and does not need anyone to tell him if he or his Newcastle team have underperformed.
The Magpies have lost their last three matches and supporters and pundits were especially critical following the most recent 3-1 defeat at Brighton.
Club legend Alan Shearer said: ‘Other than Callum Wilson, Newcastle were very poor in every department. A tough start to the season I know, but they were all over place.’
There was a general feeling of it being the worst performance of Howe’s tenure, although the head coach has plenty of goodwill in the bank and takes his side to Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday.