Newcastle's 16-day transformation

After the defeat to Brentford in the first week of the month, December looked to be yet another testing month for a stagnating Newcastle United side. However, what followed was near perfection as we now enter a new year full of promise after a sensational run of form.

To kick off an eventful month we welcomed Liverpool to St James' Park, where a thriller would play out. 3-3 the game finished in a display that showcased both our qualities and our downfalls. After a string of very poor performances prior to this game, the draw on home soil against such esteemed opposition was reason for positivity and a result to build off.

Yet, what came next was what we had become used to in the weeks before. A chaotic, frail and demoralising 4-2 loss at Brentford had many questioning the direction the club was heading in. Players were failing to deliver, defensively we were mistake-prone and our overall shape was nothing short of a mess. Criticism was warranted and although, at times reactive, fans could not be blamed for their worry.

What ensued was everything we could've asked for, and that bit more. In a memorable and electric 16 days, our season looks to have been turned on it's head. The following game saw a result we should expect, but one that's significance should not be diminished. 4-0 at home to a struggling Leicester side seems to have, in hindsight, instilled confidence and belief into the squad once again.

The aforementioned confidence and belief was well and truly flowing for all to see in the subsequent fixtures in the week. Advancement to the Carabao Cup Semi Finals for the second time in three years was achieved after avengement on Brentford. We came out 3-1 victors in a display that at the time could be described as our best of the season. It was the Sandro Tonali show as he grabbed two crucial goals, both of supreme quality which is what we come to expect of our midfield maestro as of late.

A first hattrick in five years came in the weekend fixture at Ipswich. Isak collected his inaugural match ball, making it six goals in four Premier League games for December. His form failed to stutter against Villa, where he picked up yet another goal in a dominant 3-0 home win.

Capping off a wonderful festive time, for our final match of 2024, we were treated to a trip to Old Trafford to face mid table Manchester United. The performance, especially in the opening 30 minutes, was arguably the best we've ever seen under Eddie Howe. Everything was clicking, everything we tried came off and simply the home side were lucky to be only two down after being made to look incredibly inferior.

That made it five wins in a row, 16 goals scored with just the one conceded. Finally we look to be seeing the very best of what our batch of players can produce, making for sumptuous viewing.

What changed?

The change in form can be pinned down to a multitude of factors, but one that rings clear for me is the switch of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali in the heartbeat of our play. Allowing Bruno to advance forward has elevated his game, and Tonali is being allowed to cover ground, win duels and dictate, three of his outstanding attributes.

Our Swedish superstar's form cannot be understated too. Six games, eight goals and two assists for the month put him in the limelight with many now saying he's the best striker in the league, or maybe even the world right now.

Jacob Murphy's form down the right - often the weak point of our attack - has also been huge, in turn allowing Anthony Gordon to return to his favoured position on the left. He's thrived in recent weeks and looked back to his best after a slow start to the campaign.

To further drive home the fact that December was about as successful as can be, Botman looks to be nearing a return after having featured for the academy throughout the month. His readmission into the first team squad you would hope will only increase our chances of achieving European football this season, something we have put ourselves in great stead to do.

Up to fifth, into a Cup Semi Final, five wins in a row, 16 scored, one conceded, a first hattrick in five years and Old Trafford emptied. Here's to more of the same in 2025.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5t8h47utMo