What a rollercoaster season it has been for Newcastle United, even by our standards.
The club is completely unrecognisable to the one that started the season in August 2021. Mike Ashely at the helm and Steve Bruce as Head Coach. A football club lacking hope, pride, destined for a relegation battle and a supposed takeover completely off the cards.
It was pretty doom and gloom to say the least, but this all changed on a day that will go down in Newcastle United history – 7th October 2021. The headline – “a new era begins”
Since Eddie Howe’s appointment on the 8th November 2021, our season has completely transformed. No win in our first 14 games, on new years eve we sat on 11 points, 19th in the division, nailed on for relegation.
Then came the January window. Some serious talent, hard work and fantastic recruitment followed.
38 points later, we finish the season 11th in the Premier League on a grand total of 49 points – a stunning turnaround and the only Premier League team in history to avoid relegation after failing to win our first 14 games.
It’s some feet and I for one cannot wait to see what this club has in store for us next season and over the summer.
I will now grade each squad player’s performance for the season out of 10:
Here they come.
Martin Dubravka – 7 – A pretty solid season for Dubravka on the whole. Struggled with some niggling injuries earlier in the season but has really come on a lot second half. His confidence increased dramatically following some smart January recruitment. It’s astonishing to see the difference a solid back line can make on the goalkeepers confidence and vice versa. Kept us in games at times and improved his distribution considerably when Howe came on board. There are rumours floating around that Dean Henderson is on his way to Tyneside as competition for Dubravka. I believe this can only be a good thing as competition for places is key for a successful football team.
Karl Darlow – 5.5 – Managed eight Premier League appearances this season and didn’t exactly set the world alight. Had a good game at home to Leeds back in September which arguably won us a point but other than that was pretty poor. I expect to see Darlow moved on this summer, perhaps to a Championship club such as Middlesbrough.
Freddie Woodman – 5 – It is fair to say Woodman was completely out of his depth in the Premier League when called upon. His performance away from home against Manchester United was pretty appalling, that turned out to be his last game for the club this season before being shipped off to Bournemouth on loan. Even there he has struggled, making one appearance all season.
Kieran Trippier – 8 – An absolute steal for the reported £15m fee. Opened the floodgates to other signings, proving that Newcastle United can attract world class talent, even in the relegation zone. Was on an absolute rampage before his unfortunate injury, with a stunning performances against Everton and Aston Villa at SJP, and has clearly added leadership and experience to the camp. Will be integral to our success next season and wouldn’t be surprised to see the armband given to him.
Javier Manquillo – 5.5 – Struggled to nail down a starting position all season, suffered a few niggling injuries and slipped down the pecking order after Krafth proved to be a more consistent performer, with poor displays at Spurs and Wolves springing to mind. Again, wouldn’t be surprised to see him moved on in the summer and would potentially be a good signing for a newly promoted side.
Emil Krafth – 7.5 – I have a massive soft spot for Emil Krafth. He was heavily criticised earlier in the season under Bruce for some poor performances. However, since Howe’s arrival and in particular Kieran Trippier’s injury, Krafth stepped up his performance level tenfold. Strung together some very good performances over our six game winning run at home. Most notably two brilliant performances in our 2-1 win against Leicester City and 1-0 win against Crystal Palace. If Trippier is fit, he will obviously start but I am now more confident than ever that Krafth is solid backup.
Federico Fernandez – 4 – Has struggled with injury all season and again most definitely past his best. One of Bruce’s better performers but obviously not rated by Howe who he has only started two games for. Will be out the door in the summer but has been a fantastic servant to the football club. Got a lot of time for Fede, again wish him all the best.
Dan Burn – 8.5 – Arguably one our best ever January signings. Has completely transformed our back line with a seamless transition to a back four. The big Blyth man has started every game but one since signing from Brighton in January. Averaging five clearances per game and 2 interceptions per game, Burn has been an absolute steal for the reported £13.5m fee. Comfortable on the ball, commanding at the back and with a steel like determination to win for his boyhood club.
Jamaal Lascelles – 6.5 – Has struggled for game time since Dan Burn’s arrival in January. However, I suspect has played an integral part in the background as club captain. Never moans about lack of game time and always gives 100%, therefore I struggle to give him any critisim. Granted, he isn’t the most gifted player with the ball at his feet, he makes up for this with grit and determination. Was excellent against Everton in a 3-1 win and titanic at home against Manchester United in December. I am very interested to see whether he keeps the armband next season.
Fabian Schar – 7.5 – A very solid season for the Swiss man on Tyneside. Clearly made huge improvements on Dan Burn’s signing, as the two centre backs seem to compliment each other extremely well. Some notable performances against Brentford, Brighton and Crystal Palace sum up a pretty good season. So much so, he has awarded with a new contract.
Paul Dummett – 4 – Struggled with injury for the first half of the season and made three appearances early on in 2022. Never really got going and struggled to get an appearance once Matt Targett was signed from Aston Villa. Signed a new contract extension but don’t think he will be part of the long term plans at the football club.
Ciaran Clark – 3 – Arguably part of one of the most pivotal parts of the season getting a red card against Norwich with Joelinton being moved into midfield. Way too many silly mistakes for a Premier League centre back and made to look good by Rafa Benitez’s elite tactics. No longer good enough for the Premier League and I expect to see him moved on in the summer window.
Matt Ritchie – 5 – Although I can never fault Ritchie’s effort and leadership qualities, he is definitely past his best. Some very poor performances first half of the season, especially in our defeat to Cambridge at home in the FA Cup, which proved to be his last start of the season. Will surely be moved on in the summer window. Been a brilliant servant helping us win promotion from the Championship. Wish him all the best.
Jamal Lewis – 3 – A pretty anonymous season for the Northern Irishman who will most likely be moved on in the summer. Only four appearances all season. I also expect us to make a loss on the reported £15m we paid for his services.
Matt Targett- 8.5 – Sign him up. Absolutely bemused why Aston Villa let this man go on loan. Targett has been instrumental in our rise up the Premier League table and you can tell he just gets it. Has said himself he is desperate to stay on Tyneside and I for one would love to see it happen. For the reported £15m fee, it’s an absolute no brainer. Super consistent and reliable and has chipped in with some outstanding performances against Leicester and Arsenal as two small examples.
Isaac Hayden – 5 – An unfortunate injury ended his season against Crystal Palace in October, however never really got up to speed before that. Struggled for form all season, some of which I blame Bruce for playing him out of position. I suspect we will not see him again at SJP, but again has been a fantastic servant to the football club.
Jeff Hendrick – 4 – Not cut out for the Premier League anymore. Scored a good goal at Wolves in that dismal October defeat, but says a lot that he was loaned out by Howe in January. Expect to see him shipped off in the summer.
Sean Longstaff – 7 – I think Longstaff has had a bit of an underrated season end to the season. He was absolutely outstanding against Arsenal, however does lack consistency putting good performances together. He’s got a new contract and I feel he deserves one. Always puts a shift in and a great character to have around the club, especially being a Geordie.
Jonjo Shelvey – 7 – Was extremely poor under Bruce at the start of the season, but isn’t alone. An injury against Liverpool ended his season which was unfortunate as he was beginning to string together a few good performances. Turned a corner on the arrival of Howe and scored a priceless goal at Elland Road which gave us hope that relegation could be avoided. Will be interesting to see if he is in first team contention come August, I suspect not.
Joelinton – 9 – Where do we start with Joelinton? This blokes comeback story is one for the ages. Failed striker turns midfield enforcer, what a stunning turnaround. His resurgence under Howe has been nothing short of remarkable, adding tackles, interceptions and powerful dribbling into his game. His performance against Manchester United was a real coming of age and since then he has really kicked on. I think we see a totally different Joelinton next season and I expect him to add significantly more goals and assists to his game. Narrowly misses out on player of the season, which is agonising for me to say.
Bruno Guimarães – 9 – I’ve completely fallen in love with Bruno and I won’t be the only one. I would honestly give him a 10 if he had played the full season. Razor thin decision between him and Joelinton for player of the season but Bruno edges it based on the level he’s played in week in, week out since he arrived. To come into a relegation destined team, for a reported £40m fee and to perform in the manner he has, is simply remarkable. He has completely transformed the mentality of the side and performances on the pitch have matched that. Bruno was signed as a holding, dictator like midfield player. He now enters next season as a goalscoring, box to box, Brazilian beast. Too many brilliant performances to mention but five goals and an assist in half a season for a supposed ‘holding’ midfielder is stunning. What a player we have on our hands. The future is bright.
Joe Willock – 7 – I’m a big fan of Joe Willock. He has gone about his business without complaint and has had a pretty good season all in all. Scored some huge goals against West Ham and Brentford to win us valuable points and always offers a threat going forward. Seriously struggled for confidence until Howe’s arrival and has struggled to cement his place in the side since. Hopefully a full pre-season and the ex Arsenal man can force his way into first team reckoning.
Miguel Almiron – 6 – Always runs himself into the ground, regardless of manager or situation. Scored a stunning goal of the season contender against Crystal Palace which secured three points, but struggled for game time under Howe prior to Fraser’s injury and has only scored once all season. In my opinion, he could be a valuable squad player going forward, but interest from Europe and a promise of first team football may prize him away – especially when Howe may have doubts about his lack of end product.
Jacob Murphy – 6 – Has played a supporting role of the bench all season but has struggled to cement a place in the starting 11. Put in a few decent impact performances off the bench, however lacks the quality to really make a difference. I love Murphy and his attitude towards the football club, however if a decent offer was made, I would be considering it.
Ryan Fraser – 7.5 – Howe made a huge impact on Fraser who he has worked with at Bournemouth. Fraser’s fitness and morale improved dramatically, which in turn resulted in better performances on the football pitch. Two fantastic performances against Brighton and Brentford demonstrated what Fraser is capable of, who just needs to add goal contributions to his game to be considered a very good player. Worked his socks off throughout the turn of the year, which has been well noted by the black and white faithful.
Allan Saint-Maximin – 7.5 – The debate rages on as to whether ASM should be part of the long term plans of the football club. A player of immense natural ability and talent, however does he lack the discipline and work ethic to convert that to results? Simply unplayable at times this season, most notably against Everton in a 3-1 win at SJP. Ranked first in players beaten by dribblers across the whole of Europe, however much like many players, lacks the killer bit of quality to put him in the conversation of an elite player. If Howe can coach him to add quality and decision making to his game, I have absolutely no doubt ASM could be one of the best players on the planet, never mind the Premier League. A season of ups and downs, he will be back stronger in August, I have no doubt.
Dwight Gayle – 3 – Has played a peripheral role throughout the season and I suspect will be moved on in the summer.
Chris Wood – 7 – Signed for a reported £25m in the January window, Chris Wood has definitely played his part to our great escape. The Kiwi man has contributed good hold up play over the lats few months and has actually saved us on a few occasions with some fantastic defensive headers. It’s clear that Wood doesn’t fit into Howe’s footballing plan long term, but will serve as a good squad player for a few next season I suspect. Yes I accept the £25m was an extremely inflated figure, however our Premier League safety has been confirmed and that’s all that matters.
Callum Wilson – 8 – Perhaps you may think my score is a bit generous but let’s not forget Callum Wilson is our top goalscorer this season with eight goals, despite being injured for five months. It’s not out of the realms of possibility to suggest he would’ve got close to 20 if he had stayed fit all season. That’s always the issue with Wilson though, keeping him fit for the whole season. I believe that is why signing a striker in the summer is of upmost importance, to take the strain off Wilson and keep him fit for longer. Two fantastic performances against Arsenal and Burnley on return from injury were nothing short of brilliant.
