Arsenal’s 3-0 win against the mighty Real Madrid during the week gave us a couple of things. Not only did it re-ignite the “Trent to Madrid” debate (more on that another time), but it also confirmed that England will finish as one of the top 2 countries in the UEFA co-efficient standings. What that means is that there will be 5 Premier League teams in next seasons Champions League. Tasty!
And as this season turns the corner into its final, decisive weeks, one team capturing significant attention is Newcastle United. Having rediscovered a potent run of form recently, Magpie fans were quietly reserved in their thinking that maybe, just maybe, the Champions League was on the table. With Arsenal doing the premier league a favour in midweek, they may not have to be so shy about it.
After the first 6 games, Newcastle were being looked at as a top 4 certainty, grinding out results against Spurs, Wolves and Southampton, while getting a credible draw against City. Then October came, and their form was, at best inconsistent (losing to Chelsea and beating Arsenal a week later), at worst, chaotic (A 3-3 draw with Liverpool in December, anyone?) But since their EFL Cup win, their play has shown renewed vigour, characterised by the high-energy pressing and swift attacking transitions that Eddie Howe has looked for from all of his teams. Recent victories against Brentford and Leicester have been achieved through a blend of individual brilliance and collective determination, and have seen them climb the table and put themselves right in the mix. At the time of writing, they are 4 points behind a faltering Nottingham Forest, with a game in hand.
Key players have stepped up significantly during this resurgence. Alexander Isak continues to demonstrate his clinical finishing, proving himself as one of the league’s most lethal strikers. In midfield, the trio of Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães are key to how they play, dictating the tempo and breaking up opposition attacks, while the likes of Jacob Murphy provide pace, directness, and the odd goal or two from the wings. Defensively, the team appears more cohesive, grinding out results and showing the resilience needed during this crucial phase of the season. Even Fabien Schar looks like David Beckham these days.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The remaining fixture list will be crucial, and Newcastles run in shouldn’t scare the Toon Army, especially given current form. Of the 8 games remaining, they only play one team above them in the Premier League, Arsenal, by which time, the league and Arsenal’s subsequent interest in it, may be done and dusted. Their 3 of their 5 home games, against Manchester United, Ipswich and Everton, should yield 9 points, with the other 2 games against Chelsea and Palace being potential banana skins. Brighton and Villa away are not easily places to go either, but depending on other results in the run up, both Villa and Brighton may find themselves with little to play for.
Making sure the squad remains focused for each game will be key, and Howe has shown in the past his ability to prepare teams for high stakes games, notably in securing Champions League football two seasons ago, that they can perform when the stakes are high. They possess the quality, the tactical framework, and crucially, the momentum. But they have timed their return to form perfectly, their recent performances have demonstrated they are serious contenders for a top 5 spot. The passionate Toon Army has every reason to believe again after a faltering mid season. The final weeks of the Premier League season promises excitement, and Newcastle United are poised to play a major role in the drama. Whether they can convert this impressive run into a top 5 finish remains to be seen, but the dream of hearing that famous Champions League anthem at St James’ Park next season is very much alive.
Gary Cronin, April 2025
Comments are closed