Newcastle 1-2 Bournemouth

&c

Newcastle's season played out in microcosm at St James' Park on Saturday afternoon, losing a fifth of the last six Premier League home games and failing yet again to beat Eddie Howe's old team Bournemouth.

The two saving graces, such as they were, were that we never had the lead in this one, and that the winning goal came before second half stoppage time.

That they are the only positives tells its own story, although that's possibly slightly unfair, as we also the second half return of Bruno, who set up Osula for a third goal in four games.

However, persisting with a system that is absolutely not working across any part of the pitch, the continuing absence of Woltemade (frustrating) and Wissa (understandable), the 'minor hip injury' of Anthony Gordon, the continuing Obertanification of Anthony Elanga, another injury for Livramento, no service to the striker, ponderous defending, unconvincing goalkeeping - all of these things have been themes all season, and the long-awaited time on the training pitch has had absolutely no effect on any of them.

Are the players just knackered, checked out? Or is the malaise more deep-rooted and is it finally time to consider the possibility of a new manager? I've been consistent in my views on this - four more years of Eddie please.

However, if he's unwilling or unable to address the current issues, then I fully understand the calls for a change.

Clearly, the system isn't working, so if there's no attempt to change it before the end of the season then the dogmatism that I've railed about in other managers (such as Amorim) will be an undeniable feature of Eddie Howe.

The anger amongst fans is real, but I also still believe Eddie is an incredible manager, which I hope we as fans all remember.

Whatever comes next, there's no guarantee of linear progress, and Spurs's season should serve as a warning to every club outside of the top four.

One of those four are current leaders Arsenal - our next destination.