The excellent 5-1 result yesterday – albeit after another shaky first-half performance, kept Newcastle in the race for 6th place and a spot in Europe for next season, which is really important.
Newcastle have had a tough season with lots of games and lots of injuries and to finish in 6th or 7th place would be a triumph of resilience for Eddie Howe, his staff, and his players.
Howe and the players have been on a (very) steep learning curve about Europe and they will benefit from this season’s many challenges they have faced.
The win yesterday takes us to a single point behind Manchester United in the league table and we have a much better goal difference.
In fact, our current goal difference of +19 is the 5th best in the Premier League.
Last season we finished with 71 points and a goal difference of +35, but we have conceded 55 goals this term, and last season we conceded only 33 goals – so improvement is needed there for next season.
Here’s where we stand in the league right now.
Premier League Table 2023-2024
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Lost | Drawn | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Tottenham | 38 | 20 | 12 | 6 | 13 | 66 |
| 6 | Chelsea | 38 | 18 | 11 | 9 | 14 | 63 |
| 7 | Newcastle | 38 | 18 | 14 | 6 | 23 | 60 |
| 8 | Man United | 38 | 18 | 14 | 6 | -1 | 60 |
| 9 | West Ham | 38 | 14 | 13 | 10 | -14 | 52 |
The games we have coming up to the end the season on May 19th are Burnley (A), Brighton (H), Man United (A), and Brentford (A) – so 3 away games out of 4 to finish the season and a vital one at Manchester United.
We have a good chance to finish in 6th place which would be amazing, but Newcastle’s inconsistency, especially away from home could be a game-changer during the 4-game run-in to the season.
Eddie Howe will no doubt impress on his players the need to finish the season on a high and if we can finish 6th or 7th it will have been a great learning season for the lads.
Then to strengthen the side in this summer’s transfer window!.
Loading ...Comments welcome.
80 comments so far
Fenham to Chalfont
Apr 28, 2024 at 1:30 PM
Comment #1Dr Ed smashing the articles out God bless the man
Rotonda heights
Apr 28, 2024 at 1:36 PM
Comment #2Jal
Yes BDB got a preliminary squad call as a LB but last season he had a lot of protection from big Joe and Willock then. This season he was much more exposed and targeted at LB by speedy right wingers match after match before his successful switch to LCB. Would you in all honesty want him back at LB? Not sure even Burn himself would want to go back there now.
AnyToon in Indiana
Apr 28, 2024 at 1:46 PM
Comment #3Third ain’t too bad for just walking in the door 😉 Morning all!
Fat Basta*d
Apr 28, 2024 at 1:47 PM
Comment #4Everyone wants to sign the other teams midfielder after a team plays us. Maybe its because our shit midfield makes them all look world class i.e. Barkley, will hughes etc..
But if you want trophies we need to look at better upgrades not Sheff Utd cast offs
:shakemyheademoji:
Return Of The Jedi
Apr 28, 2024 at 1:49 PM
Comment #5Toffee Teeth running his mouth.
All depends on our away form. Only one home game left.
AncientC
Apr 28, 2024 at 1:52 PM
Comment #6BDB currently playing like Iron Mike when he won player of the season.
2nd name on the team sheet, Isak being 1st, after yesterday.
Fenham to Chalfont
Apr 28, 2024 at 1:53 PM
Comment #7I find it bizarre that there was even a discussion about Bruno’s attitude?
The game is littered with Prima Donna’s our days and Bruno has passion, grit, determination and a level of professionalism that we love as NUFC supporters. For me he has to be the most loved player since Shearer, there is that connection with us I’ve not witnessed since Shearer. Bruno and Joelinton for me are the prime examples of how professional footballers should interact and play. I’m so privileged to see both these men representing our club. Our Brazilian’s
AnyToon in Indiana
Apr 28, 2024 at 1:56 PM
Comment #8In regards to BDB I think we tend to forget that he was always brought in as a CB but ended up becoming our makeshift LB after injuries at the beginning of last year with Targett and really never looked back as the back 4 gelled together so well. He is a solid back and one you don’t look forward to a battle with. He moves well for his size but does not have the real speed needed to constantly push forward like we want on the flanks. I think he much better than Lacelles though as back up to Botman and then we’ll see how much Botman’s injury affects his comeback.
Fat Basta*d
Apr 28, 2024 at 1:59 PM
Comment #9Fatty fenners disagreeing with himself (Jane)
😀
AncientC
Apr 28, 2024 at 2:02 PM
Comment #10Interesting end to the season for certain players.
Haaland, Salah, and Martinelli all looking like spare parts. And Havertz looking good?
What can you say about Darwin Nunez and Timo Werner. Some things will never change.
How many goals would/will Isak get with an improved squad around him? Playing for a few months with Miley in the team was like playing with 10 men tbf. Although, that experience for Miley could have a huge pay-off in the future.
Fenham to Chalfont
Apr 28, 2024 at 2:06 PM
Comment #11Look at these tw#ts outside SJP yesterday, protesting against Saudi ownership. One of the clowns is wearing the white and green “Saudi” third kit 🙄
https://x.com/cyp_toon/status/1784528351056523623?s=46
cyprus
Apr 28, 2024 at 2:15 PM
Comment #12Ancient
Maybe that’s a bit unfair on Miley?
I thought he was good, classy even. Brave, good touches, a ‘fret’. Not bad for such a young lad.
Essex Geordie Bill
Apr 28, 2024 at 2:17 PM
Comment #13Really like the St Mirren strip!
AncientC
Apr 28, 2024 at 2:25 PM
Comment #14cypus – Miley showed great maturity for his age. And you can see he is a late bloomer. Rooney looked like an old pro at 17. Miley is going to develop and look like a different player in a few years.
Sometimes you take a hit to get a young player up to speed. De Gea lost Man Utd the league title in his first season – but went on to repay Fergie, as a longer term investment.
My point was less about Miley, and more about expectations that some people have put on the squad this season, when we have had to use such a young player in the engine room. Also, the 10 men thing was more about the point that technically Miley isn’t of adult age.
AnyToon in Indiana
Apr 28, 2024 at 2:31 PM
Comment #15Miley and Hall are both pretty young but so much potential and poise. You can tell they have the skill and put to practice what they are told but still have those moments when the instinct at this level is not quite there. The game time both have gotten this year will prove it’s worth no doubt as they never looked lost or out of sorts.
AnyToon in Indiana
Apr 28, 2024 at 2:38 PM
Comment #16Watching this Spurs team sputter really makes it hard knowing we really should have been up there with Villa for that 4th spot this year. So many what ifs but just hard to think about when you look back and think any one or two games really could have made the difference. I hope next year we are a machine to be reckoned with and make a lasting mark going forward.
Sav
Apr 28, 2024 at 2:53 PM
Comment #17Instead of blowing millions on a fit back up for Isak, I’d rather see a young raw talent brought in and hang onto Wilson. For what we would get for CW, you would get nowhere near his quality. It’s is gambling on Isak and Wilson’s fitness next season, but rotated with a youngster (even Minteh?) to see out games I can’t see any better affordable solution.
Fenham to Chalfont
Apr 28, 2024 at 3:20 PM
Comment #18As the NUFC woman have been promoted to the Woman’s Championship. This is rumoured to be our new German GK:
https://x.com/magpiemediax/status/1784332807705117067?s=46
9
Apr 28, 2024 at 3:34 PM
Comment #19Looking ahead:
1 the most important of all: we sell none of our stars
2 teams who have already built for the future: Spurs and Chelsea, crammed full of youngsters
3 NUFC if we reach 6th (slight odds-on) after all that’s happened, this would be incredible
4 Tonali – how good is he? We don’t know, but will find out soon enough (no extra ban)
5 Minteh – could he be in our squad next season?
6 Our weak links: Miggy and Sean, therefore our summer targets, though Sean is covered by point 4 above and Willock (remember him?)
7 Our stunning consistency last season never had a chance this season, as it turned out. We are, currently (which of course impacts on next season/Europe) massively inconsistent and the worst feature is our away form
(the remainder of our season is 75% away – unfortunately) where we do approach consistency, ie abject failure. Let’s hope this turns around now.
8 Onward and upward!
Raj of Hailsley
Apr 28, 2024 at 5:06 PM
Comment #20Nobody has posted for an hour and a half. Bloody part timers 😀
Raj of Hailsley
Apr 28, 2024 at 5:09 PM
Comment #21Oh dear Chris Wood 😕
Pottsclock
Apr 28, 2024 at 5:17 PM
Comment #22I wouldn’t bet on Wood hitting the woodwork but Edward Woodward would
Ronway
Apr 28, 2024 at 5:20 PM
Comment #23Newcastle United have spent some of their biggest transfer fees on players aged 25 and under who can develop under Eddie Howe and that strategy looks set to continue.
Howe has a ‘clear vision’ of what he wants to do this summer, but the Newcastle boss was the first to admit that realising it is ‘something totally different’ given how unpredictable the window will be.
The reality is that, with the transfer and wage budgets on offer at this stage of the project, Newcastle are looking at individuals from a small pool with the ‘potential to become world class’ rather than the finished article.
These ‘big-name’ player sales are the talk of everything, but I don’t know what’s going to happen this summer, he added. I can’t predict the future but whatever happens, we can fight, live again and create a slightly different team.
That might be what we have to do but it’s certainly not what I want to do. I want to make minimal changes, but changes that can transport us forward. We just have to adjust when it happens.
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/newcastle-shut-down-egos-myth-29065857
Ronway
Apr 28, 2024 at 5:24 PM
Comment #24” We just have to adjust when it happens.”
I wish EH had said “if” it happens rather than “when”! 🙁
Raj of Hailsley
Apr 28, 2024 at 5:30 PM
Comment #25Ronway,
He’s a wiley young fox is Eddie H.
Ronway
Apr 28, 2024 at 5:33 PM
Comment #26Raj – #24
He certainly is, but he’s also a very impressive one.
I’m sure this journey will continue with EH at the helm.
HWTL
Legolas
Apr 28, 2024 at 5:34 PM
Comment #27So I don’t like having a go at any of our players, and will always support him when in the team, but if we want to win trophies, we need to upgrade Sean Longstaff. Having been at the game yesterday and having watched I would say every game this season, he is just unfortunately not good enough. Sad, as he is a local lad and would love to see him do well.
Raj of Hailsley
Apr 28, 2024 at 5:35 PM
Comment #28Legolas,
If he is playing with an injury then that’s harsh.
Adamn_92
Apr 28, 2024 at 6:03 PM
Comment #29De Zerbi and Joao Pedro aren’t doing too well lately
mctoon
Apr 28, 2024 at 6:06 PM
Comment #30On Sean Longstaff, we did upgrade him… with Sandro Tonali.
Who we then lost to circumstances beyond our control.
Sean’s played a lot of football this year, probably too much, and through personal injury too.
I get that he’s out of form and struggling but there’s no one (currently) to rest him for. (?)
IMV Longy will still be here next season, and with more rotation, (once again) re-prove himself a valuable squad player.
Fenham to Chalfont
Apr 28, 2024 at 6:09 PM
Comment #31When I give it thought i cannot see Longstaff going anywhere in the summer. I’ve heard murmurs of him potentially moving to Leeds in the summer. I don’t see it happening as Longstaff will be a good squad back up for Tonali. Sean knows how Eddie plays and sets up and to replace him would be silly as that’s what Tonali is here for.
He looked a bit dejected when he came off the pitch on that video when injured players are in the corridor welcoming the lads off the pitch before they go into the dressing room. Everyone was smiling he wasn’t as he knows he wasn’t at the races. It’s well known that he has been playing with painkilling injections and he is not 100% however because of the injuries he has had to play. He is battling for Eddie and the team and turns out. After a good rest in the summer and then rotated more when Tonali is back, I think we will see the old Sean Longstaff. He just needs to get his confidence back and this niggling injury rested and come back next season refreshed and a new slate. He’ll be alreet Eddie will sort that.
Fenham to Chalfont
Apr 28, 2024 at 6:14 PM
Comment #32Aye Joao Pedro has fallen off a cliff. Probably why we haven’t heard the fisherman from Munster bleating on about him and how we missed out on such a fantastic talent.
We opted for Isak instead and who can tell me there is a better ice cook finisher in European football right now that Isak? We’ve got a world class striker in Isak so well done NUFC you got that one absolutely spot on.
Fenham to Chalfont
Apr 28, 2024 at 6:20 PM
Comment #33Cook? Cool*
Mund
Apr 28, 2024 at 6:22 PM
Comment #34Shame on any fan who throes hate on Lobby.
For one he isn’t even a starter but for unforeseen circumstances like the Tonali ban and the horrendous injuries he has had to feature a lot more than he would have.
Secondly he has played for many months with an injury going through the pain barrier for the black and white shirt.
Thirdly he is one of our own and even if he wasn’t for the above reasons we should get behind the players not throw hate as even Lobby and the likes of BDB have commented on the stuff said across social media from the negaholics and whatever is said it effects them as they are only human.
Lobby won’t be featuring a lot next year other than being a squad player and this season has been a really frustrating one with the injuries that’s has a detrimental effect but in saying that we have still a lot to play for and if we can finish say 5th then that’s an even better achievement than last year.
Back the lads to the very end
HWTL
Legolas
Apr 28, 2024 at 6:25 PM
Comment #35Raj,
I’m not being harsh. I just don’t think he is good enough. How many of the top 6 teams would he get a game for?
He is a good pro, try’s hard, but we need to upgrade if we want to make that next step.
Raj of Hailsley
Apr 28, 2024 at 6:53 PM
Comment #36Legolas,
He’s more than good enough for a squad player, we’re not spending £30M+ on his replacement to sit on the bench and with Tonali, Joelinton, Bruno and Willock fit with Miley and Anderson waiting in the wings, he’s not going to be getting many starts, I doubt Conor Gallagher would come here to be a utility player.
IrishRob
Apr 28, 2024 at 7:03 PM
Comment #37Merson looks ridiculous. A 60yr odd old man using fake tan to the extent hes orange. Some of it got in his hair as well you cannsee the orange in his hair lol.
So ridiculous
IrishRob
Apr 28, 2024 at 7:04 PM
Comment #38Shut up licking arse mund hes shit end of story.
Fenham to Chalfont
Apr 28, 2024 at 7:13 PM
Comment #39ItishNob,
Look at your posts -#36 and #37, you’re like a little bitch. What man looks at another man’s hair to see he has had fake tan on?
Then your post #37 having a pop at a poster who was being positive about a player who is one of our own.
You’re a right weird little creep do you know that?
Mund
Apr 28, 2024 at 7:15 PM
Comment #40😆 what a weird little creep he is Fenham
Each to their own I suppose