A bright start to the 2019–20 season saw the team sitting in 7th place at the beginning of November. However, continuing injury problems and a poor run of results followed, and the club dropped into the relegation zone in January. Poor performances continued after the COVID-19 pandemic had interrupted the season, with key losses to Manchester City and Southampton putting the club on the brink. Despite a 3–1 victory over Everton on the final day, the club's relegation was confirmed due to results elsewhere. On 1 August 2020, Howe left the club by mutual consent, ending his 8-year second spell as manager.