Not many expected Newcastle to be flying this high in October when the season started a few months ago. While many were optimistic, most pundits and fans expected a potential top half finish, with many thinking Newcastle would continue their strong second half of last season.
However, it’s been an almost perfect start to the season for Newcastle, with a 4-0 over Aston Villa at the end of October consolidating their place in the top four. The side has only lost one game so far this season, an unlucky loss away to Liverpool, and they’ve also recorded some great results against top sides like Manchester City and Tottenham.
Manager Eddie Howe said after the game that he thought his side could achieve “special things” this season
It was that 2-1 win away to Tottenham that lifted Newcastle into the top four, and it was the first time they had beaten a ‘big six’ side this season. Manager Eddie Howe said after the game that he thought his side could achieve “special things” this season.
Many people have cited Eddie Howe as one of the main reasons Newcastle have seen such a resurgence in the last year, with the team's performances and results improving hugely since his arrival last year. Many players have also seen a lift in form since Howe’s arrival, with players such as Joelinton and Joe Willock seeming like different players since the managers appointment.
The side have also spent very well in the transfer market, with signings such as Nick Pope, Bruno Guimaraes and Sven Botman all contributing massively to Newcastle’s start to the season. While a lot of money has been spent by the club's new owners, it appears so far that it has been spent very well.
It’s been 10 years since Newcastle last played any European football, with the side featuring in the 2012/13 Europa League season. With the way the Geordies have started this season, there’s a very good chance we could be seeing them back there next year.
