Since Boxing Day, Newcastle United have only lost three Premier League games, and their resilience is exactly why they are staying in the top flight.
Losing just three times in the past 14 league outings is mightily impressive, and even more so when you consider that the only teams to have beaten the Magpies in that period are Manchester City (twice) and Liverpool, two of the Premier League’s best and most attacking teams.
Despite a rough end to 2017, where it looked like Newcastle were primed for relegation, Rafa Benitez has rejuvenated his squad and guided them to the Premier League safety that always looked likely with a manager of that calibre calling the shots.
So with five Premier league games remaining, can Newcastle remain unbeaten between now and the end of the season? Well, on paper yes.
First up is a trip to Goodison Park to take on Sam Allardyce’s Everton who have been utterly woeful at times this season and waiting for the end of the season so that they can hopefully see the back of Big Sam, which presents the Magpies with a great chance at another victory.
After that it is West Brom at home who could be relegated by then, and a rocking St James’ Park should see Newcastle make it five home wins on the bounce. The week after they head to Watford whose season has fallen off a cliff, despite starting so well. Benitez’s side have been good travellers all season so will not be daunted by a trip to Vicarage Road, despite losing their past three fixtures against the Hornets.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
Newcastle’s final two games are tough but by no means impossible. Wembley awaits as we take on Tottenham in a rearranged fixture, and while it won’t be at White Hart Lane, Newcastle have a terrific record away to Spurs and they could well be in a position where their season is already over, having locked in another campaign of Champions League football.
Finally, it’s Chelsea at home, in what could very possibly be Antonio Conte’s final game as the Blues’ manager, unless they reach the FA Cup final of course. It has been a dismal season for Chelsea, and they will no doubt be wanting it to end as soon as possible, meaning a focussed and energised Newcastle side could take advantage and end the season with another home victory over one of the Premier League’s supposed elite.
There will surely be a dip along the way, but with how things have been going at Newcastle lately, Benitez and co look unstoppable.