It has been a shocking 12 months for Newcastle United, filled with incredible moments.
From good to bad, it’s been a typical Magpies year. But what have been the best moments for the Toon Army in 2021?
We count down the 11 best moments of the year for Newcastle, but there’s no prizes for guessing number one…
11. Beating Leicester 4-2 away from home
This was probably the best performance from Steve Bruce’s reign as manager.
Still chasing points for Premier League survival, Newcastle took on a Leicester side chasing Champions League qualification.
But it was Bruce’s night. His side put the Foxes to the sword, even playing some fantastic football.
Of course, they did nearly throw it away in true Newcastle fashion.
10. The return of fans to St James’ Park
Overall, last season was overall. The majority of games were played behind closed doors, as 22 men ran around soulless, empty stadiums trying to win points.
But crowds returned in May. Newcastle took on Sheffield United in their final home game of the season, with 10,000 fans allowed inside St James’ Park.
They were treated to a win, with Joe Willock scoring the only goal of the game.
9. Joe Willock’s incredible streak
The arrival of Joe Willock on loan was probably the best part of Newcastle’s first half of 2021.
He went on a sensational scoring run, scoring in seven consecutive Premier League games – equalling Alan Shearer’s club record.
It was a streak that earned him a permanent move, costing £25million from Arsenal.
8. The CAT hearing
While the takeover saga was still rumbling on, Mike Ashley had two legal challenges against the Premier League.
One was the CAT case, and fans were able to witness a hearing about the case in September.
It was shocking to witness, with talk of what it could take for the takeover to go through and claims the Premier League threatened to chuck Newcastle out of the competition.
7. Steve Bruce leaves
It took longer than it should have, but Steve Bruce finally left Newcastle on October 22nd.
Bruce should’ve gone long before that, but Mike Ashley persisted with him – much to the detriment of the club.
While the mainstream media mourned the sacking of Brucey, fans were buzzing to see the back of a man who had held the club back since his 2019 arrival.
6. The pre-match atmosphere against Tottenham
While the first game after the takeover was a sad state of affairs, the build-up was exceptional.
Tickets for the game against Tottenham quickly sold out, with fans desperate to witness the first game of the new era.
You could feel the buzz outside the ground, and it was even more special inside it. Wor Flags returned with a wonderful display, accompanied by Jimmy Nail’s Big River.
The atmosphere before the game was electric, and it has only gotten better in the games since.
5. The day before the takeover
On October 6th, news broke that the collapsed takeover of 2020 could be back on.
It came out of nowhere, as news filtered through that the dispute between Saudi Arabia and BeIN Sport had ended.
While the Premier League have argued otherwise, the conclusion of the piracy issue looks like it was the key to unlocking the deal.
4. Eddie Howe arrives
Newcastle appointed Steve Bruce’s replacement on November 9th.
It was a lengthy process that saw Amanda Staveley and co bring in the ex-Bournemouth boss.
His arrival has excited fans, and he impressed early by just turning up to the training ground in the early hours of the day.
Don’t believe what you read in the mainstream media – expectations are actually really low on Tyneside.
3. Sports Direct no more
While the takeover went through in October, the signs of the Mike Ashley era remained until December.
However, the Sports Direct signs that were plastered all over St James’ Park have finally been removed.
It was a big day for Toon fans, who can finally see their home untarnished by the blue and red tat that has symbolically held the club back in the 21st century.
2. Newcastle finally win
It took 15 games, but Newcastle United finally won a game in the 2021/22 season. Howe’s side beat Burnley 1-0 at St James’ Park on December 4th, picking up their first three points of the season and the first win of the new era at the club.
The players celebrated like they won the league, and good on them for it.
1. The takeover is complete
I mean, what else could it have been?
On October 7th, PIF, Amanda Staveley and Jamie Reuben completed a £305million deal to buy Newcastle United from Mike Ashley.
Fans partied outside of St James’ Park, toasting the departure of Ashley with cans aplenty.
It was a historic day for the club, and is without a doubt the best moment of 2021.
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