Newcastle Toons
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Newcastle United need to close out the season with a positive result

By Roy Emanuel

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 09: Newcastle United fans pose for a photo outside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on May 9, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 09: Newcastle United fans pose for a photo outside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on May 9, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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“I don’t know what it is that makes feel alive, I don’t know how to wake the things that sleep inside, I only wanna see the light that shines behind your eyes…”

The job is done, and the Toon Army should be proud of their squad. Newcastle United and manager Rafa Benitez secured Premier League safety this season, and will prepare for another campaign in the top flight this summer. However, there is still one mission left to accomplish, and that takes place at St. James’ Park on Sunday.

There will be a festive mood around the grounds against Chelsea, as it should be for supporters. Despite four consecutive losses, the Magpies are comfortably set for the term’s finale. Though another defeat is not what anyone involved with the club wants to see, and the motivation for a positive result should be present.

The effort shown from both Benitez and the fans has been special during 2017-18, and the Toon will want to reward that with a home win to close out the year.

Newcastle deserved more from their last two fixtures, as losses at both Watford and Tottenham brought a multitude of chances and featured strong defensive work.

If not for a poor first half at Vicarage Road and an unstoppable piece of skill from Harry Kane on Wednesday, United could have had at least four points in the bag.

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Now versus a talented yet inconsistent Chelsea side, the squad are poised to make this weekend one to remember.

Nothing to play for?

The Blues’ Champions League aspirations took a significant hit this week, and the Toon may be facing a team simply looking to end the campaign as quickly as possible.

With the right tactics and a disciplined approach, Newcastle must find a way to produce a point at a minimum.

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Newcastle United and Rafa Benitez have fought and battled throughout the season. Sunday will be the time for the players to show the fans why the fight (and hope for the future) will continue on.