Day 8: Newcastle

Everyday, from now until Christmas Eve, we will take a look at a Premier League club and rate their season so far. Today, it is Newcastle’s turn to be put under the microscope as we continue our Premier League Christmas Countdown.

Yes, you’ve read that right, I have put Newcastle this low down in my end of season prediction. Why? Well they haven’t been great this season, even without European football or many major injuries and there doesn’t seem to be an easy fix or really any cause of their problems.

Starting Strong

Newcastle started the season with a 1-0 home win over newly promoted Southampton in a match that was marred by an outrageous overreaction by Ben Brereton Diaz to get Fabian Schar sent off. Schar and Diaz faced off early in the game with the Southampton forward falling to the ground after minimal contact.

🚨 🟥 NUFC appealed Fabian Schar’s red card but have been unsuccessful!!! 🫣🫣

The 3 match ban is in effect from this Sundays match against Bournemouth.

What are your thoughts on the appeal being knocked back and who starts in his place? pic.twitter.com/1vkcs592BW
— Newcastle Supporters Worldwide (@SupportersNufc) August 23, 2024

Next up they travelled to Bournemouth and would have lost the game had VAR not saved their backs. Dango Ouattara’s late goal was ruled out for handball when the ball struck his shoulder, leaving the game level at 1-1. At the start of September, the Magpies went on to beat Tottenham at home and Wolves away.

A Major Dip in Form

Towards the end of September, Newcastle lost their first game of the season, against Fulham. The Magpies dominated the ball, but were undone by two early goals and a Reiss Nelson strike in added time at the end to lose 3-1. This started a five game winless run in the Premier League, punctured by two wins in the EFL Cup.

3-1 Fulham.

IT'S THREE !!!!!!!!!!!!! GAME OVER FOR NEWCASTLE UNITED !!!!!!!!!!!!!! REISS NELSON SCORES !!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/VueO05sCmi
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) September 21, 2024

They managed to draw 1-1 with Manchester City at the end of September, but then failed to find the back of the net in a 0-0 draw with Everton and a 1-0 loss to Brighton. They dominated possession in both of those matches and had a fair amount of chances, but failed to score. When they faced Chelsea at Stamford Bridge at the end of November, they put up a good fight but once again left with nothing.

Winning the Hard Games, Losing the Easy Ones

At the start of November, Newcastle hosted Arsenal and not only did they win, but they also kept a clean sheet. Alexander Isak scored the only goal of the game after 12 minutes and the Magpies were able to hold on to the slim lead despite Arsenal having most of the ball. High-flying Nottingham Forest were next, but Newcastle made easy work of them with three second half goals.

HT: Newcastle United 1-0 Arsenal.

TROUBLE FOR ARTETA, BIG SECOND HALF PERFORMANCE NEEDED! pic.twitter.com/Guky3zSKgK
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) November 2, 2024

With the most difficult games behind them, many expected Newcastle to beat West Ham and Crystal Palace, both of whom were struggling. Somehow, the Hammers showed up to St. James Park with real impetus and walked away with a 2-0 win, despite Julen Lopetegui being under immense pressure. Then came the last gasp equaliser from Crystal Palace to leave Newcastle fans perplexed as to their form.

December hasn’t been much better so far. They did manage to earn a point against Liverpool, but they then followed it up with a 4-2 defeat to Brentford. Before Christmas they have Leicester City and Ipswich Town, two teams who Newcastle should really be beating.

Player of the Season

In 13 matches this season, Isak has six goals and three assists, which is quite a good return. Some of his goal involvements have been crucial this season, such as the only goal in the game against Arsenal. His form has seen him linked with a move away from St. James Park, but there were similar rumors in the summer, so I am unsure as to whether he will jump ship.

Season Rank: C

End of Season Prediction: 13th

Check out our Christmas Countdown article from yesterday.