Since last year, the Premier League has been waiting for Newcaslte to ascend to the dominant levels of Manchester City.
It seems, at least, that they have the decency to build a team gradually rather than sign stars straight away.
The impression was that Newcastle would maybe challenge for a Europa League position this season. Then maybe next season challenge for the top 4 and after that, establish themselves.
Newcastle grabbed a statement 2 – 1 win over Tottenham on Sunday to move into fourth place and what’s more, they deserve it.
Read: Tottenham And Manchester United Are Still Revealing Themselves
The top of the table has been rather transient this season. We’ve had the surprise table-topping form of Arsenal and the surprise mid-table form of Liverpool.
We’ve had new managers at Chelsea and Manchester United. Debates over the merit of Antonio Conte’s defensive playing style. Astonishment over the form of Erling Haaland for City.
Amidst all this, Newcastle have been playing good, sustainable football away from the spotlight. They’re now a point ahead of Manchester United in 6th and five points behind Manchester City in second.
Their current run has featured Miguel Almiron’s best return for goals and assists in the Premier League. He’s on an incredible run and scoring incredible goals too, but Newcastle’s position is not a fluke.
According to every major statistical metric, the Magpies are performing like a top 4 challenging team. They’re on par with United, Spurs and Chelsea. Newcastle aren’t taking a couple of years to find their feet in the top half of the Premier League. They’re here now.
Read: Can The Unstoppable Growth Of Football Be Called Progress?
They’ve only lost one game this season, in the 98th minute to Liverpool. They’ve drawn against City at home and drawn against United at Old Trafford. This is a competitive team.
Even more concerning for the teams who could do without another competitor at the top end of the table is a look at how Eddie Howe’s team transformed their season last year. A couple of smart buys in January took them from fighting relegation to 11th in the table.
If they’re still in and around the top 6 come the World Cup break, another signing or two could transform them into a bona fide Champions League team.
