Ten games into the new Premier League season, Newcastle United have just two points to their name and are still awaiting their first victory of the campaign – which has left the threat of relegation looming over Tyneside.
The Magpies are in desperate need of improvements heading into November as they sit joint-bottom of the division, above Huddersfield only on goal difference, and the three league fixtures Newcastle play this month will be crucial.
Rafael Benitez’s side host Watford and Bournemouth before ending the month with a trip to face Burnley and it is difficult to imagine a reason why Benitez should be kept on beyond those fixtures if things do not improve.
Hosting Watford this weekend will be a tough test, as the Hornets have been flying so far this season, but the games against Bournemouth and Burnley are certainly winnable. While Benitez is still extremely popular, and a lot of the blame lies upstairs, his time must surely come to an end if Newcastle endure 13 games without a win.
If things do not improve, axing Benitez at the start of December will allow time to find a new manager and will give him a few weeks to get accustomed to the squad before the January transfer window opens – where fans will hope for plenty of improvements.
If things do not improve and Newcastle wait longer than that deadline, then relegation may be inevitable.