Five defeats that cost Steve McClaren his Newcastle job

The Magpies have suffered 16 top-flight losses this season, with Saturday's against Bournemouth making it five in their last six matches.

Here, Press Association Sport looks at five league defeats across the campaign that have appeared key to the downfall of McClaren following his appointment last summer.

Manchester City 6 Newcastle 1 (October 3)

Going into this match, Newcastle were still without a league win for the season to date and had suffered an embarrassing Capital One Cup exit at the hands of Championship outfit

Sheffield Wednesday. Further humiliation followed at the Etihad Stadium as City responded emphatically to falling behind early on to an Aleksandar Mitrovic goal. Sergio Aguero netted five times and Kevin de Bruyne also got on the scoresheet - with all the efforts coming between the 42nd and 62nd minutes.

Sunderland 3 Newcastle 0 (October 25)

McClaren's men bounced back from that thrashing by thumping Norwich 6-2 at home, but their next outing after that swiftly restored the gloom as they were beaten by their derby rivals for the sixth time in a row, and in comprehensive fashion.

Captain Fabricio Coloccini was sent off having given away a penalty that was converted by Adam Johnson, and Billy Jones and Steven Fletcher subsequently wrapped things up for the Black Cats - managed by ex-Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce in charge.

Crystal Palace 5 Newcastle 1 (November 28)

Newcastle again capitulated alarmingly after taking an early lead as they were humbled by a Palace side managed by another former Magpies boss, Alan Pardew.

Papiss Cisse put the visitors ahead in the 10th minute, but by the 47th they were 4-1 down thanks to a Yannick Bolasie brace and efforts from Wilfried Zaha and James McArthur, who added another goal late on.

Chelsea 5 Newcastle 1 (February 13)

This was a 5-1 loss Newcastle never had any kind of foothold in, with Diego Costa, Pedro and Willian putting Chelsea 3-0 up within 17 minutes of kick-off.

Further goals from Pedro and Bertrand Traore followed for the hosts before Andros Townsend netted a late reply that provided little comfort for McClaren.

Newcastle 1 Bournemouth 3 (March 5)

What proved McClaren's last game in charge saw his team concede either side of the interval through a Steven Taylor own goal and a Josh King strike. Ayoze Perez reduced the deficit, but Charlie Daniels then made it 3-1 before Newcastle fans aimed a torrent of boos at the players and head coach at the final whistle.