A defeat to Man City shouldn't be the final blow to Irvine's WBA tenure, but a horrible thumping might just be. If the WBA cave in during the 2nd half, similar to how Sunderland did against us, then that could be that. It'll be interesting therefore if the WBA players decide to take that route (at 2-0 down to Hull a few months back, the Newcastle players had the perfect opportunity to roll over and get Pardew the sack, had they wanted to).
Away games to Stoke and West Ham over the next few days follow this though. So even if Irvine does survive, it might not be for too much longer.