'We want to keep fighting for Howe'
[Getty Images] A late push for Europe would put a different complexion on a bruising domestic campaign. But Newcastle must go on a run to do so, which they have failed to do all season. When Anthony Elanga openly asked whether the dressing room could show they were fighting for the head coach "again, again and again", in a previous interview with BBC Sport, the forward was alluding to his side's inconsistency.
"We want to keep on fighting for him because he's helped us so much," he said. "I'd even go as far to say he is one of the best managers I've worked for. I'm really grateful to have him as a manager and I try to take everything he says to me on board because I know it's for my benefit.
"I know he will help me so much. All the players feel the same. " Read: What might Newcastle's summer bring?
Yet you never quite know what you are going to get from Howe's team this term. Just as Newcastle can beat Manchester United with 10 men and record a rare win at Chelsea , this leaky side can also capitulate and concede seven goals in the Nou Camp or throw away a half-time lead against Sunderland . All in the same month.
Is there mitigation for the ups and downs of a campaign where Newcastle reached the last 16 of the Champions League and a third EFL Cup semi-final in four years, but also suffered 13 Premier League defeats? Even as far back as the autumn, there was a belief internally there would be choppy waters to navigate following a turbulent summer. Newcastle missed out on a host of top-choice targets, buckled and eventually sold star striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool on deadline day and tackled a crucial window without a chief executive and sporting director in place.