News of Newcastle United beating Manchester United 4-1 in April 2025 would have seemed almost impossible just a few years ago. Yet, this was a reality many fans had to come to terms with. The win marked the Magpies’ first league double since 1931.
According to the best sportsbooks in the UK, Newcastle are now 28/1 to win the Premier League in the 2025-26 season. Well ahead of the Red Devils at 33/1, the Magpies have become a force to contend with in English Football.
From Mid-Table to Europe
The Magpies haven’t always been part of Champions League conversations, as the 20th century proved to be a nightmare for the club. They dominated the First Division by winning the titles in 1905, 1907, and 1908.
However, that period marked the lowest point in the club’s history – a 9-1 defeat from Sunderland. After World War 1, they won the 1932 FA Cup under Hughie Gallacher as captain before being relegated to the Second Division two years later. Despite making deep runs in the decades that followed and lifting several FA Cups, Newcastle would struggle to claim another crown.
In the early 90s, the club made a bold move by appointing Kevin Keegan as manager. The change in leadership immediately yielded results, as <strong>Keegan moved the club to a title contender within five years</strong>. Under the new manager’s leadership, big-name signings like Alan Shearer and David Ginola helped the Magpies finish as runners-up in the 1996 and 1997 FA Cup.
They, however, lost the cup finals in 1998 and 1999 before returning to glory under Eddie Howe’s reign in 2021. Howe’s approach of team construction and focus on flexibility has helped the club move from relegation to qualifying for the UEFA Champions League in May 2025. He has helped Newcastle win iconic games against Manchester United, Manchester City, and PSG, and win its first major trophy in 56 years.
The 2021 takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Dan Ashworth’s arrival as Sporting Director have also helped the club step into the spotlight. Their league position over the past two seasons, including a top-four finish in 2022–23, shows how a club can modernise both tactically and structurally.
Newcastle’s Form in the Premier League<
Eddie Howe’s team is currently in top form in the Premier League. They beat Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley to lift the <strong>2025 EFL Cup</strong>, their first domestic trophy in 70 years. They have also achieved a cup-and-league double over Arsenal, thanks to Alexander Isak’s scoring prowess.
The Magpies have also created one of the best pressing systems in the league, being able to suffocate opponents with forced turnovers and a high line. They currently sit among the top sides in expected goals (xG) for the 2025-26 season, <strong>scoring an average of 1.56 goals per game at home</strong>. Their strong home stats mirror what we see across elite clubs: better xG, higher shot volume, and stronger goal conversion in front of home fans.
Squad Depth and the Impact of European Football
Unlike the traditional big six, the Magpies haven’t had years of squad-building for two-games-a-week consistency. Injuries to key players like <strong>Sven Botman, Joelinton, and Callum Wilson</strong> exposed their lack of depth last season.
However, it did reveal that when Newcastle’s core midfield is intact, they dominate possession and dictate tempo. When missing, they’re vulnerable to counterattacks, and their clean sheet odds take a hit.
The Influence of Saudi Investment on the Market
Newcastle’s Saudi ownership has had a huge influence on transfer markets across Europe and English football. Clubs now know Newcastle can afford £60 million players, having <strong>splashed £160.99 million</strong> on Isak, Gordon, and others in the 2022-23 season. That drives up prices and sets off a domino effect in squad building for other English clubs.
Wrapping Up
Newcastle United’s rise from relegation to a European challenger has been marked by strategic decisions. With the new Saudi investment and Eddie Howe’s tactical approach, the Magpies are well-positioned for a fifth Premier League title and may well be on their way to qualifying for the Champions League.
