The greatest season of our lives couldn’t be summarised in just five key takeaways; my usual from this season’s series.
There was simply too much to discuss and reflect on after an incredible campaign. So, as sure as day follows night, here is part 2 and our 2024/25 takeaways four to six after covering one to three in part 1.
- The Bunce Effect
The Dunning-Kruger effect is a cognitive bias in which people with limited competence in a particular domain overestimate their abilities – seems like the perfect bias to describe the United medical department last season. It was so out of its depth (and individual player physios/doctors were terrible too, i.e. Sven Botmans) that the squad was decimated by injury all season.
The club acted decisively last summer and appointed a ‘best-in-class’ Performance Director in James Bunce, and the results of his work speak for themselves.
United have gone from the most days lost to injury to the fourth best, the side has flourished with fewer injuries, and fatigue has been managed almost to a fault as there were some rested players that baffled (see Tonali above), but were, ultimately, proved to be right.
Joelinton aside, United’s ‘big’ players have stayed fit all season – with Bruno playing all 38 Premier League games for the second season running – and it’s been a breath of fresh air to see an appointment be so successful, even though we’ve had a lot of clear midweeks with the lack of European football.
Looking ahead to the Champions League, Bunce’s meticulous methods will be tested anew. But if this season is any barometer, Newcastle’s players are in the safest of hands.
- Alexander ‘The Great’
Not since the days of Alan Shearer have Newcastle boasted a striker of Alexander Isak’s calibre. Coveted globally, he’s not just one of the Premier League’s finest – he’s Europe’s elite. Between Oct and Jan, Isak plundered 18 goals in 19 games, each strike a blend of some wonderful technique, awesome goalscoring ability, and deft link-up play (and penalties) – his first touch to set up his second goal against Southampton should be played to kids as the textbook example of how to perfectly cushion a pass into your running stride before finishing.
He tailed off a little as the season progressed, but no matter what the future holds, he will always be the man who scored the decisive goal in the League Cup final. From a £65 million ‘risk’ to a player worth thrice that, Isak’s journey is a testament to talent meeting opportunity meeting excellent coaching.
Another who has mercifully (mostly) stayed fit – a competent understudy must be sorted this summer as Callum Wilson is not the solution, despite the rather bonkers news that the club are in talks to extend his contract. The drop-off is simply too huge from first-choice striker to second-choice striker.
But for now, savour Isak’s genius – he’s a rare gem, and he’s ours.
- You Can Teach an Old Mag New Tricks
United’s senior players had exceptional seasons. Dan Burn stood out, becoming a towering sentinel of a CB at 33, and lived every Toon youngster’s dream – scoring a goal in a cup final wearing the Black and White stripes. He even received an England call-up and made his Three Lions debut. Remarkably, he seemed to gain a yard, keeping up with players who would’ve left him in the dust only last season.
Fabian Schär recovered from an early sending-off and some wobbly performances to be imperious in the cup final. He won four out of five aerial duels, three out of three ground duels, made a key pass, and, by rating, was the third-best Newcastle player on the pitch. Another at 33, the Swiss has made 230 appearances for United, scoring 21 goals (+10 assists). He deserves one more year in Black and White.
Jacob Murphy had his breakout year at 30, putting up elite numbers this season with 20 goal involvements (8 goals, 12 assists) in 35 Premier League games, second only to Mo Salah in assists. Murphy will need to replicate his impressive form next season to keep his starting spot, but even half of this season’s output would still make him an excellent squad player.
Yet, reality beckons: Newcastle’s squad is the Premier League’s fifth oldest. The combined years of our centre-backs whisper of the need for fresh legs. Strengthening the spine – centre-back, central midfield, and back-up striker – is imperative, but right-wing screams the loudest. But for now, let’s revel in the fact: our veterans are far from spent.
To be continued….
What a wonderful and emotional article – a living diary of a magical season! I was moved by how Newcastle transformed completely – from their physical strength, their playing style, to the That’s Not My Neighbor character of their “big names”. Thank you for conveying it so well!
Thomas Frank(Quote)
He has really been a legend for Newcastle this season. With the arrival of James Bunce, the medical team was almost reborn. Isak, on the other hand, literally played like a superstar. The experienced players were also at the peak of their form. When I tell about this success, what I feel is similar to the excitement I experienced when playing basketballlegends . Just like the adrenaline that game gave, it has accelerated our hearts this season.
Larry Douglas(Quote)
This season has been a turning point for Newcastle United, with standout moments like the impact of Performance Director James Bunce, Alexander Isak’s rise as a top striker, and the impressive form of veteran players such as Dan Burn and Jacob Murphy. As the team looks ahead to challenges like the Champions League, strategic planning and adaptability remain essential. For those interested in streamlining their own planning or visualizing strategies, tools like Flowchart AI can help map out complex scenarios with ease.
flowchart ai(Quote)
Right then, Newcastle’s rollercoaster ride continues, does it? Hmm, those takeaways are certainly…takeaway-ish. Speaking of learning hard lessons, it reminds me of a time in college when my group project imploded spectacularly due to terrible communication. We were like a headless chicken, each pulling in different directions, very much like some of Newcastle’s defensive plays I suspect. Oh, and that chaos brought back my Slither io days, trying to navigate a maze with zero visibility. Good times!
David Sumner(Quote)
Reflecting on Newcastle United’s remarkable 2024/25 season, it’s clear that smart decisions off the pitch, like the appointment of James Bunce as Performance Director, have played a pivotal role in reducing injuries and maintaining player fitness. The transformation has allowed stars like Alexander Isak to shine, with his incredible goal-scoring run and decisive League Cup final moment, and has seen senior players such as Dan Burn and Jacob Murphy deliver career-best performances. As the club prepares for Champions League challenges, their adaptability and willingness to embrace new methods stand out. For those interested in how technology, including AI-powered tools like voice clone, is increasingly supporting performance and innovation in sports, Newcastle’s journey offers plenty of inspiration.
voice clone(Quote)
This analysis of Newcastle’s season is spot on! The impact of James Bunce is undeniable, a real game-changer like sinking the 8 ball pool ball on the break. Isak’s form was electric, a true Shearer successor. Keeping him fit is crucial; they need a reliable backup striker. The difference between him and Wilson is like night and day. Securing a competent understudy should be priority number one this summer.
Hunter Permewan(Quote)