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Newcastle United: 5 things we learned from the 2017/18 season

By Durim Halimi

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - APRIL 15: General view inside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St. James Park on April 15, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - APRIL 15: General view inside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St. James Park on April 15, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 09: Harry Kane of Spurs scores a goal past Martin Dubravka of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on May 9, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 09: Harry Kane of Spurs scores a goal past Martin Dubravka of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on May 9, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

2. Much Needed Adversity

Adversity is something this Newcastle side needed in order to develop and gain insightful experience, and adversity is what they got. Looking back on the season on paper, one would assume that Newcastle did not struggle much to achieve a mid-table finish. However, the Magpies had their backs against the wall for a long time.

Newcastle’s nine match win-less streak created a toxic environment on Tyneside. Supporters were growing impatient, players lacked confidence and Rafa Benitez’s credibility was being questioned by some. In the end, that brutal adversity served Newcastle well as they improved their form after the new year.

Next season, it is safe to assume that Newcastle will not experience a horrendous run of form as they did between October and December of 2017. Based on how the club played since January, it is evident that those losses taught the Magpies the virtue of remaining calm and composed.

The 2018/19 Premier League campaign will be even more competitive as several clubs will play with a chip on their shoulders to redeem themselves for their poor play this season. The adversity that Newcastle faced in 2017/18 will turn out to be a blessing heading into next season. The squad will be more mature and composed in difficult situations.