Knocked out of the FA Cup and now a Carabao Cup final without Anthony Gordon, so how are the optimism levels?
BBC Radio Newcastle spoke to fans outside St James' Park about the defeat by Brighton and how they are feeling as the showpiece against Liverpool at Wembley approaches.
We asked for your views on the FA Cup fifth-round tie between Newcastle and Brighton.
Here are some of your comments:
Newcastle fans
David: Never a red card. The defender had a hold of Anthony Gordon's shirt and he merely over-exuberantly shoved him off - pathetic refereeing. The same referee had let off a definite second yellow card for Carlos Baleba just 15 minutes before. Newcastle deserved to progress, despite not being at their best. Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak were a class above. Brighton were very fortunate but hung in there and rode their luck.
Rich: The wheels came flying off the bus. We were unlucky with two offside goals but ultimately we lacked accuracy of passing, imagination and skill in nearly every position. A two-week transformation is required if we are to stand any chance in the Carabao Cup final.
Simon: Another home defeat. It is becoming a frustration that every season seems to go in the same way. I don't know what I watched but it was amateurish and a calamity. Joelinton was just infuriating and he needs to rein his petulance in a little. Playing Isak was a mistake and I hope he wasn't injured. Gordon is out of the Carabao Cup final, which we will most certainly lose if we turn up defeated before kick-off. Eddie Howe has got a miracle to perform.
Chris: Some of our players aren't good enough for the Championship, never mind the Premier League. Do their brains switch off when the game starts? Do they listen to the manager? It looks like me and my son will never see Newcastle United win anything.
Brighton fans
Brian: What a fantastic end-to-end game, settled by a brilliant finish from Danny Welbeck. Brighton to win the FA Cup? Why not.
Ben: We played very well in attack and decently in defence. There were some silly fouls coming in, which shouldn't have done, but it was still a very good performance. Nice to see Solly March back on the pitch and getting the assist. What a player Danny is to get the final goal - what a legend.
Sergio: Welbeck was amazing but March also deserves credit for finding that deadly pass and putting in a shift defensively. They were both substitutes too! Fabian Hurzeler made some great calls in this game.
Ian: A good performance from both teams, only spoilt by an over-officious referee. Brighton had the edge throughout and deserved the win. A great goal from Welbeck for the winner.
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Newcastle United defender John Anderson says "poor decision-making" cost Eddie Howe's side as they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Premier League rivals Brighton.
Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, Anderson said: "It wasn't a good performance. It was really patchy and they couldn't keep the ball.
"Brighton came with a possession-based game that was slow and methodical. We just couldn't get into it. We couldn't get a goal and we didn't work their goalkeeper enough.
"It is bitterly disappointing because we came here with expectations.
"We have said it in many games recently that our decision-making has been poor. We get into good areas but we need to put our heads up and pick somebody out. That final ball was really disappointing yet again, even when we were in really good areas.
Anderson also raised his concerns about the Magpies heading into the Carabao Cup final without Anthony Gordon, who picked up a straight red card for a foul on Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke.
"It is bitterly disappointing," he said. "He is one of our big players, one of the influential players, one that can make things happen. Not having him there is going to be a big, big blow.
"They have got to appeal the red card. I don't see them winning it. It seemed pretty straightforward to me."
Listen to the full post-match reaction on BBC Sounds
Newcastle will accept a bid of £10-15m for goalkeeper Nick Pope and are interested in bringing in James Trafford, 22, from Burnley. (Football Insider), external
The Magpies will compete with Everton and Nottingham Forest to sign Brazilian winger Luis Henrique, 23, from Marseille this summer. (Football Insider), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesNewcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after his side were knocked out of the FA Cup: "A difficult day for us. There was so much promise, we scored early, looked good, lost control and then thought we had won it. There was so much effort in extra time, but we weren't good enough to win.
"I'm hugely disappointed for [Anthony] Gordon. He is a huge player and instrumental for us. We will review it, see what we make of it and make the next steps. I haven't spoken to him individually.
"[Alexander] Isak had some tightness in his body, but not an injury. The longer it went on, the greater the risk so he was taken off before any problems.
"We need the week to dust ourselves down and regroup, as we have been tested. We had a small squad, we couldn't get Sven [Botman] fit and we can't afford to lose anyone else.
"It's an opportunity missed, I felt that. It's tough and hugely disappointing but there is nothing we can do."
Newcastle fans, what did you make of the performance? Let us know here
Image source, Getty ImagesNewcastle have won just two of their last 16 meetings with Brighton in all competitions (D7 L7). The Magpies have also been eliminated from each of their last five FA Cup ties against the Seagulls.
Brighton have beaten Newcastle twice at St. James' Park this season, after winning 1-0 in Premier League. They are just the fourth team to win twice away to the Magpies in the same campaign in the Premier League era, after Manchester City in 2013-14, Hull City in 2008-09 and Liverpool in 1997-98.
Anthony Gordon is the first Newcastle United player to receive a red card in the FA Cup since Shola Ameobi in the 2012-13 third round, which also came against Brighton.
This was the first FA Cup tie between two Premier League clubs that has seen both teams have a man sent off since Everton v Chelsea in the 2015-16 quarter-finals (Gareth Barry and Diego Costa).
Were you at St. James' Park or following the game from elsewhere?
Newcastle fans - let us know your thoughts here
Brighton fans - tell us what you made of the display here
Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies
Two matches make up Sunday's FA Cup action and BBC Sport will bring you every kick.
Newcastle United v Brighton (13:45) - BBC Radio 5 Live
Manchester United v Fulham (16:30)
All kick-off times GMT
Follow all of the action and reaction here
Alexander Isak missed Newcastle's defeat at Anfield with a groin injury so he has to be a doubt for this tie too, and his absence is a massive blow for Eddie Howe's side.
Brighton have hit a bit of form since losing 7-0 to Nottingham Forest at the start of February, and have won four in a row in the Premier League and FA Cup.
The Seagulls also won at St James' Park earlier in the season, when Danny Welbeck got the winner. I remember that one because I got that prediction wrong.
People are talking about Newcastle being distracted by their upcoming Carabao Cup final against Liverpool [on 16 March] but could they actually be in line for a domestic cup double this season?
I am banking on them keeping that possibility alive here. They obviously could really do with having Isak back but, even if he is not fit, then surely Brighton cannot win there twice this season... can they?
Sutton's prediction: 3-2 after extra time
Listen to live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe road to Wembley continues this weekend, as teams battle it out to book their spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
There is still lots of Premier League interest in the competition, with 11 top-flight teams all dreaming of a trip to Wembley. Aston Villa are already in the hat for the last eight after victory over Cardiff City on Friday.
The draw will take place on BBC One after Sunday's tie between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford, which kicks off at 16:30 GMT and features Danny Murphy, Micah Richards and Wayne Rooney in the studio with host Gary Lineker.
If you're wondering how to follow the remaining fifth-round ties, find all the information you need here.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has been speaking before Sunday's FA Cup fifth-round tie against Brighton about the need to rest Bruno Guimaraes with Joelinton nearing a return from injury.
After a difficult performance against Liverpool was noted by BBC Radio Newcastle's John Anderson, we looked into his stats on this page and noted a drop-off this month for the Brazil midfielder.
"Tiredness is a difficult thing for me to measure," Howe said. "Only Bruno can truly do that, but he's had a very very busy schedule for a long long time now.
"He's always been there for us - that's the standout thing. He's never shied away and he wants to play every minute. He's got a great passion for the game.
"We need to protect our players at all time and he's such a special talent."
Listen to live commentary of Newcastle v Brighton on BBC Radio 5 Live from 13:45 on Sunday
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has been speaking about the availability of Alexander Isak after the striker missed Wednesday's defeat at Liverpool through injury.
Howe has been asked if his side resemble a "one-man team" given the goals Isak has contributed in a stellar campaign.
Listen to more from Howe on Isak's role and impact on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesNewcastle have won just two of their past 15 meetings with Brighton in all competitions. They've already lost 1-0 against them at St James' Park this term.
Brighton have won each of their past four FA Cup games against Newcastle without conceding a single goal. This is their meeting in the competition since a 2-0 home win in the 2012-13 third round.
Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Sunday's FA Cup game against Brighton (kick-off 13:45 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Howe says he will see how Alexander Isak is today but he doesn't think it's a long-term problem with his groin. He added: "There was no risk taken on Wednesday and there can't be at the stage of the season we're in. If he is fit, he will play."
Fellow striker Callum Wilson "took a cut to his eye but nothing more than that" and is expected to be available.
Howe said it is "is a big day" for Sven Botman and Joelinton because a decision on their fitness will be made based on whether they are able to train with the first team or not.
He was hesitant to confirm whether Nick Pope will keep his spot for Sunday's game and said: "We take it on a game by game basis as we do with all team selections. We are always looking to pick our strongest team and it is up to the players to confirm their place or not."
On how cautious he has to be with Isak: "It is pretty clear for me, if he is fit in any game leading up to the EFL Cup final then he will play and we have to have that mindset with all of our players. You can't save players as they will lose rhythm. The best thing for a player to stay in good form and to stay fit is to play them and that's what we will try to do with all of our players."
He said without their number nine "it's still a team that can be successful but they will have to do it in a different way" because they have "moulded" their team around Isak's "qualities".
He praised Wilson for doing "a great job for the team in a change of system on Wednesday" against Liverpool, but admitted they "missed Alex".
On suggestions they are a 'one-man team', Howe said: "I don't think we are a one man team. I will never classify us in that bracket but Alex brings unique qualities in that centre-forward role, in that pivotal middle role that we need."
On Tino Livramento being linked with Manchester City: "It is frustrating for us that we are constantly talking about players and rumours of them leaving. We want to go the other way and strengthen the group. We want to make our team and squad stronger for the future rather than lose our best players."
Listen to live commentary of Newcastle v Brighton on BBC Radio 5 Live from 13:45 GMT on Sunday
Follow all of Friday's media conferences and the rest of the day's football news
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Newcastle defender Steve Howey says losing Alexander Isak to a groin injury "was not only a blow for Newcastle, but a boost for Liverpool" on Wednesday night.
Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, Howey said : "It was a surprise because there was no knowledge of a knock or a slight issue to his groin, that went on to keep him out of the game.
"It was a late withdrawal, although it is not thought to be a serious problem. But losing their top scorer and someone who had scored in each of his two previous visits to Anfield was not only a blow for Newcastle but a boost for Liverpool."
Eddie Howe is set to speak to the media on Friday morning before Sunday's FA Cup fifth round tie with Brighton and is expected to provide an update on Isak's condition.
Liverpool have a growing interest in Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak, while Arsenal also remain keen on a move for the 25-year-old. (Times - subscription required), external
Newcastle United are pursuing a deal to sign 22-year-old Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford. (Football Insider), external
The Premier League could be forced to have two separate transfer windows this summer because of disruption caused by the Club World Cup. (Guardian), external
Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist
"He's been awful lately."
That was former Newcastle defender John Anderson's withering view of captain Bruno Guimaraes after the 2-0 defeat by Liverpool on Wednesday made it just three points from a possible 12 in February.
It is stark contrast to the form of December and January that began with a scintillating 3-3 draw against the same opponents and also included six consecutive wins.
Whether the reason for or a consequence of, Newcastle's form over the winter period has mirrored that of Guimaraes.
The 27-year-old has started every Premier League game so far this season, and hit a purple patch in the 10 matches from the beginning of December through to the end of January, scoring two goals and making five assists, resulting in a goal contributions per 90 minutes of 0.7.
However, across six games in all competitions in February, the Brazil midfielder failed to register a goal or an assist.
It is not the only marker in which he has regressed.
When comparing per 90 minutes, Guimaraes' chances created has nosedived from 2.5 to just 0.3, while his touches in the opposition box has more than halved from 3.3 to 1.3.
With his total shots per 90 dropping from 1.4 to 0.8 and overall xG falling to just 0.16 from 1.5, it is clear to see his effectiveness in front of goal has declined.
But what about the other areas of the midfielder's game?
Boss Eddie Howe naturally wants his midfielders to provide the link between attack and defence, protecting and progressing the ball effectively.
Unfortunately, Guimaraes' passes per 90 have slumped from 51 to 38, and his efficiency has also dropped from 84.3% to 81.6%. Small increments for sure but when added together there has been a downturn in his displays.
And when it comes to the more defensive side of the game, the number of tackles Guimaraes is putting in per 90 has lessened from 2.4 to 1.6. Indeed, the only metric where he has increased is the amount of fouls - from 1.27 per game to 1.6!
If Newcastle are to stay in contention for Champions League qualification, and stand a chance of winning their first major silverware since 1955 when they head to Wembley on 16 March, they will need their captain to rediscover his form.
*all stats provided by Opta
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Newcastle defender John Anderson spoke to BBC Radio Newcastle about Wednesday's defeat at Liverpool: "It always felt like Liverpool had another gear. They were just stroking it around. Everything we did was rushed and hurried whereas they seemed to be in total control of everything they did."
Anderson was particularly frustrated about Bruno Guimaraes' performance, adding: "I think he has been awful lately. There was times [against Liverpool] where he looked like he couldn't run. He was chasing shadows at times - [Ibrahima] Konate strolled past him as if he wasn't there. He looked like he had no legs at all.
"I think he has been poor for a while. Some players are poor and get absolutely battered for it and some players are poor and no one mentions it."
Did you know?
Guimaraes won possession back only once - a low mark he shared with several players. Meanwhile, Sandro Tonali regained possession nine times for Newcastle while Dominik Szobozslai did so eight times.
On BBC Radio Newcastle's social media, reacting to Anderson's criticism of Guimaraes, Newcastle fans wrote:
Stephen: He has never been able to run and he needs legs around him but without Joelinton, we just don;t have that. As controversial as this sounds, if an offer comes in for Bruno or Joelinton I would take it.
Mark: Not been quite the same since being given the captaincy and is now being overshadowed by Isak and Tonali. Still a top player but is better higher up the park.
CJ: Covers loads of ground and wins loads of duels. Bit of an overreaction.
Joelinton Lover: Given how composed Lewis Miley has looked last couple of weeks (I know they're completely different players) I'd play him Tonali and Willock and give Bruno a rest. He's pretty much played football non-stop for two years.
Chris: Been saying this for a while. I can't remember watching him play and thinking he made a real difference. Not since Tonali came in actually.
David: He's been terrible since Christmas, even worse without Joelinton's legs next to him too. Does he have some muscle injury we aren't aware of? Or maybe just fatigue because it's like he can't run at full pelt or strike a ball with any power. I can't remember him controlling a game this season.
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe caught up with BBC Radio Newcastle in the aftermath of Wednesday's defeat by Liverpool.
Listen to what he had to say below.
