With Newcastle United in nosebleed territory at the top end of the Premier League, critics and loyalists continue to clash over the root cause of their success so far this season.
Much has been made of United's significant spending in the last two transfer windows. A near-perfect recruitment drive and a lavish £200m squad overhaul has of course sparked a conversation, with only a handful of Premier League sides able to match that type of spending power in such a limited period.
Howe this week stressed his 'disappointment' over the debate that continues to rage over Newcastle's recent revival. The boss wants more credit for the players he inherited and the roles they are playing in the St James' Park revolution.
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You only have to look at the three goalscorers from this weekend's Aston Villa drubbing to witness Howe's immediate vindication. Joelinton's transformation from a struggling striker to a marauding midfielder, Callum Wilson's continued improvement despite the ill-will shown towards him by the injury gods.
Then there is Miguel Almiron. The man putting in the type of performances Manchester City fans expected from Jack Grealish when he rocked up at Eastlands for £100m. That's not to forget the importance of Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock, Fabian Schar and Jonjo Shelvey - all of whom have excelled under the guidance of Howe and his coaching staff.
"My disappointment when it's just 'purely about money' will be that it takes away the credit from the players and I would want a lot more focus to be on my players and how well they have done," Howe told reporters on Friday. "The players you have mentioned have done brilliantly for us and they weren't bought by me."
However, with fans beginning to dream of European nights seldom seen on Tyneside for many a year, Howe and his staff are dealing with a turning tide in terms of outside expectations. With United currently occupying a top-four spot and hopeful of remaining there heading into the winter break, all eyes will be on if, or how, the club strengthen in January.
It is no secret Howe's side failed to land key transfer targets during the summer window, missing out on late additions despite a significant push from sporting director Dan Ashworth. Anyone who has listened to United supporters of late will tell you there is a unanimous view among the fanbase that one or two arrivals in key positions could provide the extra push Newcastle need in their European pursuit.
There is a feeling the goalposts are in the process of being shifted on that front. Internally, the club wanted a top-half finish this season but with the Magpies now five points clear of seventh-place, it would be no surprise to see those targets re-evaluated during the upcoming Premier League hiatus.
Howe, his usual self-effacing self, will continue to bat away questions over where Newcastle can finish. There has been a repeated insistence from the Newcastle chief that he will not burden his side with a public declaration of where he thinks the ceiling is this term.
"We’re trying to win every game," he responded when asked about Newcastle's ambitions. "I’ll let you write the headlines. For me, it’s about keeping the players very level and very driven to win the next game."
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