Ahead of one of the most exciting seasons Newcastle fans will have in years, you can’t help but notice that there is a common narrative amongst rival fans and pundits alike. The one that we will not be reaching the heights of last year.
According to some, it seems that Eddie Howe and his band of plucky also rans and overachievers crashed the party of the established elite, but won’t be doing so again. That’s because last years fluke was only because of money, and more importantly the failure of others.
It is almost simply accepted, that fallen giants Liverpool and Chelsea will simply spend a few quid, (an oxymoron to the criticism of our achievements) and reassert themselves in said established elite.
Similarly Man City, Arsenal and Manchester Utd will all improve, because that’s apparently what they do. Aston Villa are certainly on an upward curve with exciting summer signings, an ambitious ownership and excellent manager. Spurs meanwhile, will benefit from no European football, and a freshness in approach and style under the impressive Ange Postecoglou.
It seems for many across several outlets, we aren’t even worth a mention as they get in their pre-season predictions for trophies and Champions League qualification.
Of the BBC pundits, only 2 of 26 (one being Shay Given) predicted us to be top 4. On The Overlap, Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher didn’t even have the respect to mention us in the conversation for the top 6, let alone Champions League places.
Carragher even questioned whether any of our rivals would be interested in any of our summer additions. He is of course an excellent pundit, but as a Liverpool fan, he’s seen Jurgen Klopp sign lower half Premier League players such as Mane, van Dijk, Wijnaldum, Jota and Robertson to name a few, and turn them into European and Premier League Champions . His criticism of our summer business is frankly nonsensical ignorance.
In fairness, the view amongst our own fans isn’t based on blind faith, as most online polls expect a 5-6th placed finish. Is it justified though? Is a few extra games in Champions League going to really hamper a team who got less points than it’s performance levels deserved last season?
The others will improve, but it is incredibly naive and disrespectful to assume Eddie Howe and Newcastle United won’t. We already have with the addition of a potentially world class midfielder, added a genuine goal threat from wide, and added defensive depth. It would also be foolish to think we’re finished there.
It’s also disrespectful (and hopefully proves to be ignorant) to assume this current Newcastle squad played above themselves. With the exceptions of Almiron, Burn and Trippier pretty much the whole outfield squad is in their early to mid 20’s and yet to hit their prime. Certainly the prospect of Isak and Gordon after having their first pre-season with Howe is exciting.
Let’s also not underestimate the togetherness on and off the pitch of this current squad. Our rivals may still be in a different league commercially, but with the exception of maybe Arsenal, every where you look there is a question mark or concern.
So let’s blissfully slip under the radar, because we’re here to stay.
HTL!
Let them live in their fantasies. I doubt that we will threaten Arsenal or City for the title. Top four however is a valid objective. It was close between us, Man U and Liverpool last season and they have not done enough to say that they have strengthened better than us. Chelsea? Poch is overrated, Villa are coming good, but Spurs without Kane will be lucky to get top ten.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Yeah Jamie, I have noticed it. Although I do think it will be tougher this year due to extra games and the likes of the usual suspects spending boatloads of cash to remedy their poor showings last year. I still think the fact that we are totally together , players, owners and fans will prove the difference long term.
We may well finish top 6 and not top 4, but it wouldn’t be the end of the world, it’s a long term project and these owners are really ambitious and I trust the process.
Let them all chew their gums over us, **** em. Onwards we march.
kimtoon(Quote)
Simple measure! Bookmakers are rarely wrong!
Badgertoon(Quote)
It is valid what people are saying because it will be tough for Newcastle to break into the top four again.
We haven’t really brought in players that are absolute superstars that would give you that much better chance of staying in that echelon.
We pretty much still have the same squad with players like Almiron, Murphy, who will not hit the heights of last season with that squad probably being the best it was ever going to be last campaign.
We will just have to wait and see but we won’t be in any trouble at the wrtong end of the table which is good.
X.Y,WHY,MAN.(Quote)
Imagine how disrespected Brighton feel🤣
I too think the league title is a step too far this year and I think ETH at manu is what’ll keep them 3rd. Thereafter it feels like a bunch of clubs incl Newcastle are worth a mention as having pros and cons after the close season so a European spot is my assumption as a target for Newcastle. For me, more points, trophy and Europe would be outstanding
As for the pundits no surprises they play safe, continue their NW/London love-in and go by what they know.
You can’t argue that six teams have dominated the top echelon for a long time so that’s what the pundits will know
They also look (or were asked to look) at this season only while we all know Newcastles vision is much grander and longer and as someone recently pointed out We Are Newcastle United
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
I know I didn’t mention Brighton, but selling your two best players. Even though Brighton are good at bringing in Kids I can’t see them improving on last season. That’s why I didn’t include them in what was a top four discussion. Top 10 definitely, Europe, in with a shout.
PremAndUp(Quote)
I stopped reading when you tried to use the word “oxymoron” and failed miserably.
Daveys **** mate(Quote)
Fwiw I’m not that convinced Brighton will maintain last seasons form following their player loss.
That’s a gut feeling and I could easily be educated by any half informed Brighton fan I suspect. Same goes for us lot; we know nufc way better than so called experts assessing our team
just heard a brilliant snippet about Brighton as it goes. There’s a bunch of analysts called scouted football who have done an assessment of potential caicedo replacements. Turns out the number one option is a lad on loan to lower league team from guess where .. Brighton 😉
GoWest!Mag(Quote)