Newcastle has plunged into its most challenging period since the club was bought by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund.

A 2-1 home loss to Bournemouth on Saturday was a third straight defeat in the Premier League for Newcastle, which is languishing in 14th place in the 20-team top flight with five games remaining in the campaign. The team received boos at full time.

It leaves Newcastle manager Eddie Howe — hired in November 2021, weeks after the takeover by Saudi’s Public Investment Fund — under increasing pressure, with the club not giving any assurances he’ll be in charge beyond this season.

At St. James’ Park, Adrien Truffert broke a tie in the 85th minute with his first Premier League goal to win the game for eighth-place Bournemouth, which is unbeaten in 13 straight league matches — including six wins.

Marcus Tavernier turned in Rayan’s cross across the goalmouth in the 32nd minute to put the Cherries ahead. Will Osula equalized in the 68th minute after an initial offside call was overturned in a video review.

Wolverhampton lost 3-0 at Leeds and will be relegated if third-to-last Tottenham beats Brighton later Saturday.

Wolves, who have just 17 points from 33 games, have been in the Premier League for the past eight seasons.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted a stoppage-time penalty to round off the win after early goals by James Justin — with a bicycle kick — and Noah Okafor. Leeds moved nine points clear of the relegation zone.

Brentford’s Caoimhin Kelleher and Brentford’s Nathan Collins react after the match against Fulham. | Photo Credit: Reuters

Brentford failed to boost its unlikely Champions League qualification hopes by drawing a fifth straight game in the Premier League, this time 0-0 at home to Fulham.

Brentford could have climbed above Chelsea, which plays Manchester United later, and into sixth place with a win but missed a slew of chances. Top scorer Igor Thiago hit the goal frame.

Published on Apr 18, 2026