It was always going to be a significant window at Newcastle United, but this summer could be even bigger than those inside the club imagined just a few months ago.

Head coach Eddie Howe recognised he has to ensure he is "delivering his best" to create a winning environment again as his future comes under increased scrutiny.

But he suggested the stakes were high for his squad following a run of eight defeats in 11 league games.

"If the team's not performing then, potentially, there might be bigger changes in the summer than was maybe previously first thought," he said.

"I think you have to react to what you see and that goes on a daily basis, a weekly basis, behind the scenes. It's about attitude, commitment to the team."

It may appear from the outside that Newcastle's season is as good as over, but it therefore still feels like there is a lot riding on these final five games, starting with Saturday's trip to Arsenal.

As poor as Newcastle's league record is at the Emirates, these are the sorts of matches in which Howe's team have traditionally raised their game.

They desperately need to once more in order to restore some pride.

"People will be looking closely at us at the moment and rightly so," he added.

"We need to give the right answers and we need to give the right feeling in terms of how we're conducting ourselves in these moments, which is where I think you're truly judged.

"We need to show really good strength of character. We're looking for a massive performance."