The form book for Newcastle United does not make for good reading since the turn of the year.
In 2023, Newcastle have played 12 games in all competitions, won four, drawn four and lost four. We were beaten in the Carabao Cup final, knocked out of the FA Cup by League One opposition and lost ground in the race to finish in the top four.
Eddie Howe’s side were beaten 2-0 on Saturday against Manchester City, with the Magpies wasteful in front of goal once again. It is now three defeats in a row, which is only the second time this has happened since Howe took over.
That result combined with Liverpool’s emphatic win over Manchester United means that we are now sixth in the Premier League table.
Our ‘slide’ down the table and Wembley heartache has led to concern from Toon fans, but there is no reason to panic.
Champions League still a possibility for Newcastle
With 24 games played, Champions League qualification is still in our hands. We might be sixth, but games in hand dictate that we are still in the driving seat.
It might not feel like that given recent defeats, but we are certainly still in the conversation to finish in the top four.
And, to be honest, so what if we don’t get top four? Yes, it would be amazing. It is Europe’s elite competition, and falling short would feel like a missed opportunity given where we were. But we have been massively overachieving. We have performed better than expected.
Let’s not forget, the ambition at the start of the campaign was a top half finish and a cup run. We’ve done the latter, and should achieve the former.
Newcastle’s form is bad, but we are victims of our own success
To have 41 points already is remarkable. But the way we have accumulated those points is what appears to be worrying supporters. Recent draws and defeats have dampened the mood on Tyneside after a 17 game unbeaten run in the league.
But what if we had the same number of points from more inconsistent form? If we were still on 41 points, but had lost a couple earlier in the season and picked up a few more points since the turn of year then no one would bat an eyelid.
However, we have become victims of our own success. Context is everything, and we must remember where we were. Some may argue that’s a negative attitude, but it is the sole reason why we are where we are right now.
A lot of these players looked certain to be relegated last season, yet now they are being expected to qualify for the Champions League.
Perspective is required. Let’s not forget the mantra that was hammered at Mike Ashley during his reign – ‘we don’t demand a team that wins, we demand a club that tries‘.
The club are trying, but the team isn’t winning right now. Hopefully that changes in our next game against Wolves.
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