EDDIE'S IN QUICK SAND

Saudis did not take over Newcastle for a mid-table finish... Howe must realise he is in fight for his future

- ANDY DUNN

CLASS act that he is, Eddie Howe answered every question, politely and thoughtfully.

In the dying stages of the defeat to Manchester City, his team had just been denied a point against the greatest club side of the modern era.

Not only that, they were leading with less than 20 minutes left to play.

But while Howe was his customary polite and thoughtful self, he was also delusional.

He believed Newcastle United's performance was worthy of a point.

In the sense that his men stuck to their task while being largely pummelled, Howe was probably right.

But the truth is that Howe's side were in the game for a 15-minute spell before half-time and when City Kyle Walker in particular decided to have a nap.