'We want to keep fighting for Howe'

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. 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. 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?

Anthony Elanga's recent comments about fighting for manager Eddie Howe "again, again and again" perfectly capture the rollercoaster nature of Newcastle United's season. The forward's passionate defense of his coach highlights a squad that remains united, but his words also point to the maddening inconsistency that has defined their campaign.

On their day, this Magpies side can be brilliant and resilient, evidenced by a 10-man victory over Manchester United and a rare win at Stamford Bridge. Yet, the same team has shown a propensity for dramatic collapse, conceding seven at the Nou Camp or surrendering a derby lead to Sunderland. This Jekyll and Hyde act has left fans and pundits alike asking: which Newcastle will show up?

There is, however, significant context for these wild swings. This has been a grueling season of transition. Navigating a return to the Champions League after a 20-year absence, which included a run to the last 16, while also reaching a domestic cup semi-final, has stretched a squad still building its depth. The physical and mental toll of over 50 games is a new challenge for a team acclimating to life back among Europe's elite.

Off-field turbulence has also played a part. A difficult summer transfer window saw key targets missed and the late, painful sale of star striker Alexander Isak. Operating without a settled sporting director for a crucial period added to the instability. Internally, there was an expectation of "choppy waters," and that prophecy has certainly been fulfilled.

Despite 13 Premier League losses, the belief under Howe remains strong. Elanga’s praise, calling him "one of the best managers I've worked for," reflects a dressing room that is still buying into the project. The challenge now is to channel that faith into a sustained run of form. A late push for European qualification would dramatically reshape the narrative of a bruising season, but it requires a level of consistency they have yet to find. For Newcastle, the fight for their manager now means finding a way to steady the ship.

'We want to keep fighting for Howe'

'We want to keep fighting for Howe'