Eddie Howe guided Newcastle United to a top-four finish last season, underlining the club’s ambition.
Can the Magpies soar to new heights in 2023-24? Or will the demands of European football take a toll on Howe and his players?
• Manager: Eddie Howe
• Stadium: St. James’ Park
• Last Season: 4th
Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Newcastle enjoyed a hugely successful 2022-23 campaign, achieving their highest Premier League finish in two decades while securing Champions League football.
🤯 Murphy’s pass🥶 Anderson’s finishTonight’s winner! ✨pic.twitter.com/SA5S2HJweO— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 29, 2023
🤯 Murphy’s pass🥶 Anderson’s finishTonight’s winner! ✨pic.twitter.com/SA5S2HJweO
Newcastle lost just five of their 38 Premier League matches last term, picking up 19 wins and 14 draws along the way.
No team suffered fewer defeats than Howe’s side in 2022-23, while no team conceded fewer goals than Newcastle’s 33.
Indeed, the Magpies matched both the loss tally and defensive record of champions Manchester City.
Thanks to Howe’s work behind the scenes, Newcastle finished four points inside the Champions League places and four points behind third-placed Manchester United.
It is also worth noting that only two goalkeepers – David De Gea and Alisson – kept more Premier League clean sheets than Newcastle stopper Nick Pope last season, highlighting the team’s defensive solidity.
Bruno Guimaraes established himself as one of the most complete midfielders in the Premier League last season, while Sven Botman enhanced his standing among the best young centre-backs in the division.
The attacking duo of Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak also starred in 2022-23.
While Wilson bagged 18 goals and five assists in 36 games across all competitions, Isak notched 10 goals and three assists in only 27 appearances.
With exciting players like Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes arriving at St. James’ Park this summer, Newcastle’s squad will only be stronger in 2023-24.
Plus, rising stars such as Elliot Anderson and Anthony Gordon will only improve.
Given what Newcastle achieved last season, the Toon Army will expect more of the same in 2023-24.
However, it remains to be seen whether Howe can juggle the team’s Premier League commitments with Champions League football.
When you consider how far Newcastle have come in a short space of time, another top-four finish would be a big achievement for the club.
That said, the Magpies will also be determined to make their mark on the European stage.
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