Newcastle fell to an away defeat at Kenilworth Road as Luton Town picked up the three points in a below par display from Eddie Howe’s side.
It was never going to be an easy game for Newcastle with Luton running Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City close in recent weeks, it was only going to be a matter of time before luck on their side.
But, it wasn’t just luck that played a part as the Toon Army struggled to get into gear in Bedfordshire.
Performances away from home need to improve quickly if the season is going to be saved for use of a better term.
Out of the Champions League in painful fashion, with the challenge of getting back there is growing greater. Their league position is still healthy, though the gap to the top four is now seven points, and some of the injury pressures are easing.
But Eddie Howe’s men have won just one of their past six in all competitions and just once away from home in the league the entire season.
Mix this with their disappointing exit in the League Cup at the hands of Chelsea and the season is close to unravelling if league form doesn’t become more consistent.
Lacking spark
The side has been put together in the space of three transfer windows and to Eddie Howe’s credit, the team have overachieved so far during his tenure.
But that should not be at the price of progression especially when you have the pressure of being the worlds richest football club hanging over you.
The key to long-term success as well is European football and without that in any capacity, attracting top quality players for your club becomes ever harder.
Howe will be aware of the issues he has but with the squad injury crisis easing, he will be under pressure to improve form and develop some consistency.
