It is a statement that never fails to amaze you. Newcastle United have assembled the meanest backline in the top-flight for less than what Chelsea paid for a single defender, Wesley Fofana, last summer.
If ever Newcastle's critics needed reminding that there is a lot more to the Magpies finishing in the top four than an ability to spend. Chelsea, after all, have endured their worst ever Premier League season off the back of a record £600m splurge.
However, there is a reason why Eddie Howe has predicted 12th-placed Chelsea will be a 'big threat' under new manager Mauricio Pochettino next season. "They have got top quality players - that's undoubted - but trying to form a team very quickly with a lot of new players is very difficult to do," the Newcastle boss said.
