17 games isn't a final league position and trophy. In terms of full seasons:
Emery under Villa - 7th, 4th and 6th.
Newcastle under Howe - 4th. 7th and 5th.
Howe has one more CL and a trophy, he's clearly done better.
Yes, but he's not doing better now though is he? Emery had nowt last summer and Howe got 250 million mate.
It's about where things are not where they were last season. Someone at the club has made an arse of it in comparison.