Newcastle United finishes 2022-23 season with draw vs. Chelsea
By Cade Cracas
Throughout the majorirty of the 2022-23 Premier League season, the major knock against Newcastle United was their overwhelming amount of draws they recorded.
Well, on Sunday, May 28, the Magpies recorded their 14th of the season in a 1-1 outing against Chelsea in the clubs season finale, completing the season on a rather storybook ending.
In the season finale, the Blues and Magpies squared off against one another at the legendary Stamford Bridge to close out their respective campaigns.
To begin the contest, both sides started off with small attacks on the opposing teams defense, however, it truly looked like Newcastle United was going to be able to waltz away with a victory from sheer aggression alone.
In the 9th minute, recent addition Anthony Gordon was able to find his first goal since joining the club in January.
After just returning from an injury weeks ago, winger Allan Saint-Maximin weaved his way past the opposing teams defense and slotted the ball cleanly to teammate Matt Targett. Targett then played the ball across the box to Gordon, who was unmarked, and he cleanly placed the ball into the back netting.
““I was really pleased for Anthony,” said Manager Eddie Howe. “I thought he played a different role due to the injuries we had in that area of the pitch. “I’ve brought him on in that position a few time, in running, and I think he’s done OK there, so I decided to trust him with that role from the start.
The opening goal coming as swiftly as it did sent social media into a frenzy as the Magpies looked like their season would come to a close in dominating fashion.
However, that would not be the case as the Blues mounted an aggressive possession in the 27th minute led to an own goal from Newcastle’s captain and Player of the Year, Kieran Trippier.
That goal would tie up the game, with nothing much to follow throughout the remainder of the first half. Early in the second half Chelsea took control of the game, but struggled to make any possession extend inside the 18, before ultimately losing the ball.
Newcastle looked slow and stagnant for the remainder of the contest until they utilized prospect Lewis Miley, who is just 17 years old.
Miley made a great run up the middle of the field before playing the ball to forward Callum Wilson. Wilson then played the ball right back before Miley hit a screamer just shy of the top right corner, nearly finding a goal in his debut contest.
The Magpies ultimately finished with a 1-1 draw, but Miley sure got to showcase a potential future worth taking note of in his little amount of time played.
The clubs impressive season comes to a close with an overall record of 19-14-5 with 71 points, four below the third place Manchester United side. They also were able to clinch Champions League play for next season, ending the year on a high note.
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“These people [Newcastle United fans] haven’t had Champions League football for so long, and it couldn’t happen to better people,” said Gordon. “I’m delighted for everyone.
Gordon has promised the club to work hard this coming summer to deliver next season as the team prepares for European play.