It has been a long wait for the fans of Newcastle United FC, but finally, their beloved club has returned to the pinnacle of European football. After almost 20 years of absence, the Magpies have qualified for the UEFA Champions League by finishing fourth in the Premier League in the 2022–23 season. This remarkable achievement marks the end of a turbulent period for the club, which has seen several managerial changes, financial troubles, and relegation battles since their last appearance in the Champions League in 2005.
There are moments that changed the course of the season considerably. Some of these moments gave birth to outstanding wins against great odds offered by bookmakers, making many Newcastle fans and punters happy. Be sure to find the best crypto bookies with the highest odds if you’re one of them. But let’s cut to the chase and have a look at these memorable Newcastle moments of the 2022–23 Premier League season.
The ‘Almost Win’ Against Manchester City
In a thrilling encounter with the season’s champions, Newcastle United FC stunned Manchester City with a brilliant free kick from Kieran Trippier. The hosts took over the match with a 3–1 lead. If you know the context, the City were almost unstoppable this season, except for a few hiccups now and then. This makes even this draw something to contemplate and cherish.
However, at 3–1 the visitors fought back and salvaged a 3–3 draw in the dying minutes. It was a bittersweet result for NUFC, who came so close to securing one of their greatest victories of the season. A match that could’ve been a memory to cherish for years.
Penetrating the Top Four
Newcastle enjoyed an unbeaten run starting in September that lasted till February. The 19-match unbeaten run included draws and wins against quite a few dominant teams; draws against Arsenal and Manchester United, and wins against Chelsea and Tottenham to name a few.
After an impressive showdown leading to a 2–1 win against Tottenham in their own stadium, and a 4–0 demolition of a match against Aston Villa, they beat Chelsea 1–0 on November 12 and rose up to the fourth position on the point table. The fans are dreaming of the comeback of the golden era of Newcastle once again.
Second Place and the Promise of Glory Days Once Again
Newcastle’s form continued uninterrupted till the end of December. After winning six matches in a row, and beating Leicester City 3–0 on December 26, they claimed the second position on the point table, surpassing City.
The draw against Leeds United on the last day of the calendar year saw them drop to third place, though. On a day when Newcastle players paid tribute to the late great Pelé.
Thrashing Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham looked like an amateur team struggling to plant their feet when they faced Newcastle in St. James’ Park on April 23. The fans saw the scoreboard skyrocket in the opening 21 minutes of the game, by which point it was already 5–0.
Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak netted two each, and Joelinton put one into the back of the net. Harry Kane scored one in the forty-ninth minute to make it 5–1, but Newcastle won it 6–1 in the end with the 67th-minute goal of Callum Wilson.
The 5-goal cushion was no accident, and the goals weren’t the results of bolt-from-the-blue counters. Throughout the match, Newcastle dominated Tottenham in every aspect of the game, and the stats are there to show it. This match can be considered a testament to the possibility of the club’s return to glory.
Ending on Top Four
The last time Newcastle finished the league in the top four and qualified for the Champions League was in 2005. On May 23, a 0–0 draw against Leicester City at St. James Park was enough to seal the deal for them this time, and the 1–1 draw against Chelsea in their last match of the season only added to their sense of accomplishment.
The club will compete in the next UEFA Champions League after 18 years of away time, and for the loyal fans, this already brings a euphoric sense of success, as the optimism is right around the corner, that the good days are coming back once again.
Some Final Thoughts Before We End
And there you have it, folks! A season filled with unforgettable moments and sheer determination has brought Newcastle United FC back to where they belong. The Premier League has witnessed the rebirth of a true footballing force, and the Magpies have soared high to claim their spot among Europe’s elite.
As the final whistle blows, we bid farewell to a season of triumph, of resilience, and of dreams realised. The return to the Champions League after 18 long years is a testament to the unwavering belief of the players, the unwavering passion of the fans, and the unwavering spirit of the city.
So let the black and white banners wave high, let the chants echo through St. James’ Park, for a new era has dawned upon us. Newcastle United FC has reminded us all that anything is possible in this beautiful game. The golden days are on the horizon, and the Geordie faithful can once again dream of glory.