In a striking display of ambition, Newcastle United’s strong return to the Premier League has sent shockwaves through the established hierarchy. Following their recent victories, Amanda Staveley, co-owner of the club, has expressed her frustration with several clubs who appear determined to restrict access to the Champions League to a select few. It comes in light of new regulations imposed on related party sponsorships shortly after Newcastle’s takeover, a move seen as a direct response to the Magpies’ growing success.
Newcastle have made it clear they are determined to secure their place among Europe’s elite. Under the skillful management of Eddie Howe, the team climbed the league table, being only one point behind fourth-placed Chelsea. With their current form, Newcastle are ahead of Manchester United by 13 points and Tottenham Hotspur by 11 points.
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The transformation of the club under Howe’s leadership cannot be understated. Since his arrival in 2021, only Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal have accumulated more points than Newcastle in the league, marking a remarkable turnaround for a team that once flirted with relegation.
Recent clashes against their traditional rivals have highlighted Newcastle’s new strength, having won five of their last six meetings against Spurs. Indeed, the Magpies have overturned Old Trafford’s historic prestige, winning twice in their last three visits, a stark contrast to the only victory they had managed in the previous fifty years.
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Starting the new year with a win over Spurs, Newcastle continued their momentum following their triumph over Manchester United at the end of 2024. Although injury problems beset Tottenham, Newcastle’s determination secured crucial points, boosting their confidence in their abilities, as noted by captain Bruno Guimaraes, who stressed the importance of these victories in building confidence. “These wins make us feel like we can achieve monumental things this season,” he said.
Eddie Howe reiterated the sentiment, emphasizing the need for consistency in such crucial matches. “We need to win games like this consistently to realize our potential. Sometimes you have to experience success to believe in your ability to succeed,” he said.
Gone are the days when victories against top teams seemed like distant dreams. Newcastle’s last away win against a major rival was in October 2022, where they beat Spurs 2-1. Last season they had a troubling time, losing every away league match against teams such as Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Spurs and United by a shocking aggregate scoreline of 19-8. Their challenges were compounded by early exits from the FA Cup and Carabao Cup at the hands of Manchester City and Chelsea respectively.
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However, Newcastle’s record in big games this season stands out. At St. James’ Park, they held leaders Liverpool to a thrilling 3-3 draw, triumphing over Arsenal and Spurs, knocking Chelsea out of the Carabao Cup and securing a creditable draw against Manchester City. That resilience has translated onto the road, as Newcastle pursue their ambitions with steely determination.
Howe emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent identity, no matter the opponent or venue. With an impressive six-game winning streak, the confidence within the team is palpable. Their defensive line has been formidable, conceding just two goals in their last six games in all competitions. Coupled with a powerful midfield, described by Jamie Carragher as capable of competing with any team in the Premier League, Newcastle are well equipped to take on any challenge. Players such as Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton are testament to their commitment, leading the charge to cover ground without the ball.
Additionally, Newcastle boast in-form Championship striker Alexander Isak, supported by a dynamic offensive line that has been directly involved in 24 goals since December. This mix of talents presents a formidable challenge to any opponent.
Perhaps what concerns rival clubs most is the realistic approach maintained by Newcastle. Howe’s team isn’t getting carried away. They take each game as it comes, an attitude reminiscent of their last Champions League qualifying campaign. Following the victory over Spurs, Howe and Isak stressed the importance of hard work and focus ahead of their crucial cup semi-final clash against Arsenal.
Within the ranks, there is a palpable hunger for success, as expressed by Tonali, who said: “It’s the decisive moment now and we are hungry.” For Newcastle, the journey has only just begun, and they clearly have higher goals in mind.
