Newcastle United are facing different challenges this season, but one constant remains for Eddie Howe’s side.
As the Magpies juggle Champions League nights with an injury crisis, Newcastle’s home form has not wavered. Eddie Howe’s team continue to thrive at St James’ Park.
Newcastle have actually struggled on the road so far this season, winning just once. That was the 8-0 victory over Sheffield United.
But St James’ Park is proving to be a fortress once again. Newcastle have lost twice at home this season, but both defeats were extremely narrow. Howe’s side lost to Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund by one-goal margins, but have triumphed against Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.
Throughout Howe’s tenure as Newcastle manager, his record at St James’ Park is incredible. He has done a brilliant job of making it a stadium that should be feared by the opposition, with Cambridge United the only shock team to win at SJP since Howe took over.
Newcastle know they can beat anyone at home, and that is why Callum Wilson believes that teams ‘dread’ coming to Tyneside right now.
Callum Wilson on the impact Newcastle fans have
Wilson has been named the club’s player of the month for October, in a month where he scored three goals.
The 31-year-old spoke to Newcastle’s official website after receiving the award, and explained how important the home crowd is.
“As a player you always know when you’ve had a good or bad game,” he said.
“When fans recognise your contribution on the pitch it is always special and means a lot. This is a football mad city and our fans love to see the hard work on the pitch; that’s why we have such a strong connection.
“It’s not just about me though, it’s about the team and we know that when we have the fans behind us that St. James’ Park has an unbelievable atmosphere. It’s a cliche but it’s something that we as a group love playing in and something that teams must dread facing.”
Newcastle’s record at St James’ Park is brilliant
A lot of Newcastle’s recent success has been built on playing well at home.
And that is why it was such a blow to lose against Borussia Dortmund last week. The Magpies were not at their best, but had chances to get something out of the game.
The defeat now means that Newcastle need to go to Germany and Paris and get something, otherwise their Champions League adventure could be over before Christmas.
In the league, Newcastle are doing very well at St James’ Park, where they face title contenders Arsenal next. That will be a very challenging game, and one where the players will hope to be given an extra 10% by a raucous home crowd.
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