Newcastle’s Resurgence: Beating the Big Guns and Chasing a Top-Four Finish
Newcastle’s recent run of form has been nothing short of remarkable. After a sluggish start to the season, the Magpies have bounced back in a big way, securing six consecutive victories and putting themselves firmly in the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
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This Wednesday, Newcastle’s hopes of making a serious push for a Champions League spot will face their toughest test yet, as they travel to Anfield to take on the formidable Liverpool side. The Reds currently sit atop the Premier League table with a comfortable 11-point lead over Arsenal, and they will be determined to maintain that advantage over the chasing pack.
However, Liverpool knows that they’ll have to be at their absolute best to ensure a win against this rejuvenated Newcastle team. The Geordie club’s notable dip in the first half of the season now seems like a distant memory, as they have won seven of their last 10 league games and sit just two points off the fourth spot, with a game in hand.
Thriving in the Big Matches
One of the biggest factors behind Newcastle’s resurgence has been their ability to thrive in the big games. While it may seem counterintuitive, Howe’s team seems to perform better against teams of equal or even better quality. In the past two months, Newcastle have beaten the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Manchester United, with only a notable 4-0 defeat to Manchester City as the sole exception.
When we look at the head-to-head records of last season’s top eight sides in this season’s Premier League, we can see that Newcastle have picked up more points in the crucial head-to-head matchups than Tottenham and Chelsea, and even more than reigning champions Manchester City. This statistic offers a glimmer of hope for the Magpies ahead of their clash with Liverpool.
Tonali’s Impact and Guimarães’ Resurgence
Another key factor behind Newcastle’s march up the league table has been the return of Sandro Tonali. The Italian international missed the start of the season due to a suspension, but his return to the starting lineup has coincided with the club’s impressive run of form.
Tonali’s presence has allowed Howe to get the best out of another midfielder in his squad, Bruno Guimarães. With Tonali slotting back into the central midfield role, Howe has been able to push Guimarães into a more attacking position, and the results have been remarkable. Since Tonali’s return, Guimarães has picked up seven goals and assists in 12 league games, a significant improvement from his earlier form.
The impact of Tonali’s and Guimarães’ resurgence has also been felt by Newcastle’s front line, with players like Anthony Gordon, Jacob Murphy, and Alexander Isak all benefiting from the increased creativity and goal-scoring threat.
While it remains to be seen whether this impressive run of form can continue for the remainder of the season, one thing is clear: Newcastle’s chances of finishing in the top four are closely tied to their ability to pick up points against the teams outside the top-four contenders. With key players fit and the team’s confidence high, the Magpies will be hoping to secure a place in the Champions League next season.
In conclusion, Newcastle’s remarkable turnaround has been fueled by their ability to thrive in the big games, the impact of Sandro Tonali’s return, and the resurgence of Bruno Guimarães. As they prepare to take on Liverpool, the Magpies will be confident that they can continue their push for a top-four finish and make their mark on the Premier League landscape.
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of Newcastle’s exciting journey! Stay tuned for more updates and be ready to cheer on the Magpies as they chase their Champions League dreams.
