The Tottenham hierarchy now have a huge decision to make.
Thomas Frank’s future at the club is uncertain. That isn’t a secret, of course – it has been the case for weeks.
Large sections of the supporters want him sacked. The boos that rang round Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at full-time were testament to that prevailing feeling from a disgruntled fanbase.
Crucially, there has been a loss of support towards the Dane internally.
So, the fact Frank’s disastrous first season in charge lurched to deeper depths following this defeat by Newcastle may have significant consequences.
If Nottingham Forest, who occupy 17th, beat Wolves on Wednesday night they will go level on points with Tottenham.
Frank is understandably hesitant to admit his side are in relegation fight – but the numbers don’t lie.
That said, it may not be Frank’s problem for much longer – Tottenham’s latest loss will push the beleaguered manager closer to what appears an inevitable exit.
Indeed, such has been the level of contemplation regarding Frank’s immediate future at Tottenham in recent weeks that this loss will almost certainly trigger further soul-searching from the club’s leadership group.
The fact the Spurs board have stuck by Frank during such a difficult period proves they want the appointment to work.
The easier decision would have been to show Frank the door by now.
However, the Tottenham hierarchy believe Frank has been dealt a rough hand.
There’s an acknowledgment that the season has been disrupted by multiple injuries to key players.
There is also recognition that the squad needs repair work – particularly considering the departures of their two main sources of goals in Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
There is also a sense behind the scenes that the squad is lacking in leadership. It was why they signed England international Conor Gallagher and tried to land Andy Robertson from Liverpool – both with plenty of Premier League experience.
There is also a sense from Tottenham’s executive team that the club require a period of managerial stability.
But by the same token, sources have told BBC Sport that work towards a contingency plan in the event they make a decision they really don’t want to make illustrates the precarity of Frank’s position.
If the club decide to part with Frank in the immediate aftermath of this Newcastle defeat, they will have 12 days until their next fixture against Arsenal on 22 February.
That leaves Tottenham with a prolonged window to execute their replacement plan and leave Frank’s successor with time to implement a blueprint for the north London derby.
The pressure on Frank is at breaking point. We are about to find out if Tottenham crack.
