Newcastle United are on track for their best season since 2011
By Durim Halimi
Newcastle United have broken into the top ten for the first time since their fifth-place finish in the 2011/12 Premier League campaign.
Newcastle United are tenth in the Premier league table and they can continue to climb with their current run of form. With 41 points from 33 matches, the Magpies are on track to achieving their best season since 2011.
The 2011/12 season was one to remember, as Newcastle earned 65 points and finished in fifth place. Alan Pardew’s side did not have the most impressive statistics that season, but the Magpies did enough to finish above both Chelsea and Liverpool.
Two years later, Newcastle finished the 2013/14 season in tenth place after earning 49 points. This season’s final placement will be closer to the 2013/14 campaign, as three more wins would give Newcastle 50 points. Moreover, depending on how Leicester City and Everton perform, Newcastle have an opportunity to finish as high as eighth in the table.
2011/12 Season vs. Current Season
Newcastle were more efficient offensively during the 2011/12 season, as the club managed to score 56 goals. At present, the Magpies have only scored 35 goals in 33 matches.
Although the offense has begun to score multiple goals in matches, it will be difficult for Newcastle to surpass their tally from the 2011/12 season.
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In terms of defensive stability, Newcastle’s current back-line are set to finish with less goals conceded. Five matches are yet to be played, but Newcastle have done well in mitigating their opponent’s scoring opportunities.
Thus far, the Magpies have conceded 42 goals in 33 matches compared to the 51 goals conceded by the 2011/12 side.
Finishing in the top five of the Premier League is not an easy task, but Newcastle earned their spot with some impressive results. Here are some notable performances from the Magpies during the 2011/12 season:
Newcastle United 0-0 Arsenal
Newcastle United 2-2 Tottenham
Manchester United 1-1 Newcastle United
Newcastle United 3-0 Manchester United
Newcastle United 2-0 Liverpool
Chelsea 0-2 Newcastle United
Five matches are left on the schedule for this season and the list of notable performances could change in a few weeks. However, Newcastle’s most impressive results this season have been:
Newcastle United 1-1 Liverpool
Newcastle United 1-0 Manchester United
Newcastle United 3-0 Southampton
Leicester City 1-2 Newcastle United
Final Stretch of the Season
The final five matches for the Magpies consist of two matches at St. James’ Park and three on the road.
The two matches at home will be against West Brom and Chelsea. For the other three matches, the Magpies will travel to face Everton, Watford and Tottenham.
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With their recent form and confidence, Newcastle have a chance to win most of these matches. The minimal expectation for the Magpies will be to take maximum points from Everton, West Brom and Watford. This would give Newcastle 50 points, and would mark the second-best season for the club since 2011.