Newcastle United look a million miles away from incredible result vs Chelsea 51 years ago

Add as preferred source on Google

We’re taking a look back through the Newcastle United history books at a massive win over Chelsea, and it’s a stark contrast to the team’s current displays.

After a chaotic summer, it’s safe to say Newcastle are going through something of a transitional period right now under Eddie Howe.

There have been some successes, namely Nick Woltemade’s positive start to life on Tyneside. But, the Magpies are really struggling to create in attack, and results of late have reflected that.

Newcastle are now predicted to endure a disappointing season, and Howe will have to make big improvements to turn things around. Perhaps, he should take inspiration from this glorious win over Chelsea from 1974.

• READ MORE: Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi are ‘super proud’ of Eddie Howe despite Newcastle struggles

Newcastle United hammered Chelsea in 1974

The 1974/75 campaign was a frustrating one for Newcastle in the league, with the Magpies finishing 15th in the old First Division.

A poor showing in the FA Cup and a run to the quarter-finals of the League Cup did little to make up for that, although Newcastle did secure the Texaco Cup that season (having also won it the year previous).

However, one big result in the league certainly put a smile on the faces of Newcastle fans, as they saw the Magpies hammer Chelsea 5-0 at home on November 16, 1974.

Despite a goalless first half, Newcastle came out of the blocks with ferocity in the second to smash five past the Blues. That included goals from Paul Cannell, Alan Kennedy, Stewart Barrowclough, and a double from Newcastle legend Malcolm McDonald.

McDonald would go on to net 32 goals throughout that campaign — something for Woltemade to aspire to. But, in the end, the season did end with coach Keith Burkinshaw losing his job — something Eddie Howe will be desperate to avoid.

• READ MORE: Nick Woltemade issues new Newcastle United fitness update after ‘intense’ progress

Attacking issues will see Newcastle come unstuck this season

While Nick Woltemade has hit the ground running at Newcastle, fans are concerned by Anthony Gordon’s poor run of form and there is hope he can turn things around quickly.

At the moment, the Magpies really are lacking that creative, incisive edge they’ve had in the recent (and distant) past. Gordon is key to that, and with Woltemade showing what he can do, there really needs to be better service for him to feed on.

The return of Yoane Wissa could help matters, if Eddie Howe is willing to change formation and play two up top. That’s something Howe needs to work on right now, ahead of a tricky run of fixtures for Newcastle after the international break.

The idea of scoring five goals in a game is pure fantasy for Newcastle at the moment, but once they get all their players back from injury and Howe figures out his best system, we could well see the Magpies flying high once more.