Newcastle United marked their return to top flight action with an impressive 3-0 win at the King Power Stadium as Leicester City struggled to deal with the fast-starting Magpies. Eddie Howe wanted his side to pick up where they left off before the World Cup break and his players responded in ideal fashion as the north east outfit leapfrogged Manchester City into second in the Premier League table.
Newcastle, who have now won six on the spin in the league, are in nosebleed territory as they prepare to attack 2023 in the hope of becoming immortals on Tyneside. There is still a long way to go to deciding who lifts the crown come May but Monday felt like a statement win from a side well and truly in with a shout of upsetting the odds in the second-half of the season.
The Geordie faithful packed out the away end at the King Power Stadium and made their voices heard from the very first whistle. As the game kicked off, Newcastle supporters began to bellow 'We've got Bruno in the middle, he knows exactly what we need.' The colossal effort from the away end set the tone for the early stages as the visitors raced into the lead after only three minutes.
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There were plenty other well-known tunes and chants wheeled out throughout the afternoon. However, there was an old favourite dusted off for the first time in many years. "We're Newcastle and we're going to win the league' rang out from the King Power Stadium as Howe's side made it 3-0 before the interval.
Newcastle moved to within four points of Arsenal at the top of the pile before the Gunners welcomed London rivals West Ham to the Emirates on Monday evening. Howe was subsequently asked about his team's chances of going all the way this year.
"We can do anything. The season is still young enough for all possibilities to exist for us," the Toon boss told reporters after the win. "I want the fans to believe we can do anything."
What is potentially most impressive about the recent run is that Newcastle have managed to find a way to win without key men for the majority of the season. Allan Saint-Maximin has been in and out of the side with niggling problems, while Callum Wilson's availability is never assured. Not to forget Alexander Isak and his inability to recover from a thigh issue.
Wilson's omission on Monday was a huge blow pre-match, with Newcastle fans taking to social media to voice their concern at his absence. Howe is hopeful by the time Leeds visit St James' Park on Saturday the England forward will have shaken off the illness that kept him from travelling to Leicester with the rest of the squad.
Chris Wood led the line once again as wasted little time making a mark by rifling a penalty straight down the middle to beat Danny Ward in the third-minute. Wood's long-term future at the club isn't assured but the New Zealand hitman continues to plug away in this team as he tries to adapt to Howe's system.
The striker has played a bit-part role for the majority of the campaign but has shown up when it matters with some big goals in both the league and the cup. Wood recently admitted he sees his future at the club and he is putting in the hard yards to try and make that a reality.
Monday's win serves as a reminder that Newcastle are making light work of their opponents even without important attacking assets at their disposal. Should they be able to field Saint-Maximin, Wilson and Isak together at some point in 2023, the possibilities are endless. However, it is encouraging to know they are not in desperate need of those men in the short term.
January is around the corner and may pose a dilemma for Howe and his team behind the scenes. Naturally, there is the temptation to spend in the hope of keeping their place among the Premier League's elite. On the other hand there is a feeling the home dressing room at St James' Park is as harmonious as it ever has been and new additions could upset the balance.
Howe himself has held transfer talks with Dan Ashworth this month but continues to publicly insist that nothing has been decided in terms of January incomings. Fans have called for another attacking addition, while James Maddison continues to dominate the headlines after summer interest in the Leicester man.
Brendan Rodgers is clear in his view that Newcastle can go all the way if they spend some money next month. "The guys that were brought in January, the likes of Guimaraes, and in Joelinton you have guys who are developing and improving," the Foxes boss told reports at full-time. "There's no reason why they can't be in it if they can make the squad stronger in January."
It promises to be an intriguing month both on and off the field, with twists and turns guaranteed. One thing is for certain: Newcastle haven't had it this good for years.
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