Newcastle United have been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season and have surpassed any pre-season expectations. The Magpies have a Carabao Cup Final later this month and are flying high at the top end of the division, unbeaten in the league since August 31.
It's been a dramatic turnaround under Eddie Howe's tenure, from relegation certainties to European contenders. There had been plenty of question marks raised over the Magpies ability to continue their impressive start to the season after domestic football was paused for the winter World Cup in Qatar.
However, Newcastle have responded well to that challenge and are unbeaten since the Premier League restarted, having played seven games since Christmas. While their record this season has been impressive, taking points from the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea and alike, they have struggled to convert draws into wins in recent weeks.
READ MORE: Alan Shearer's honest verdict as Newcastle pick up 'lucky' point at Bournemouth
Howe's side have drawn five of their last six games, maintaining their resolute start to the campaign, but there are signs of slowing down. Newcastle's imperious clean-sheet streak was halted by Southampton in the Carabao Cup, conceding in each of their Premier League fixtures since then.
A deeper delve into Newcastle's record against sides in the top-seven and indeed bottom seven shows an interesting sign. The Toon have been remarkably consistent in terms of points taken.
They remain unbeaten against the 13 aforementioned sides, having taken 13 points from seven games against the top seven and 14 points from eight games against the bottom seven. The Magpies have notoriously struggled against sides around them but there hasn't been any discrepancies this season.
A look at Newcastle's record this season highlights the need to improve against sides in the bottom half of the table if they're to consolidate their place in the European spots. As things stand, they're on track to do so
Newcastle's top-seven record
Arsenal 0-0
Man City 3-3
Man United 0-0
Spurs 2-1
Brighton 0-0
Fulham 4-1, 1-0
Points taken- 13
Bottom seven
Forest 2-0
Wolves 1-1
West Ham 1-1
Leeds 0-0
Everton 1-0
Bournemouth 1-1, 1-1
Southampton 4-1
Points taken - 14
Our 48-page Carabao Cup final special is available to pre-order now! Click HERE to get your copy as Newcastle United prepare for a historic day out at Wembley. Also available to purchase through local participating retailers from February 15.
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