Life might hardly be significantly better for Newcastle followers proper now.
The Magpies are on a membership record-equalling nine-match profitable run in all competitions, they’ve one of many hottest strikers in world soccer at their disposal in Alexander Isak, and they’re again within the prime 4 of the Premier League for the primary time since September.
In-form Isak grew to become the primary Newcastle participant to attain in eight successive Premier League video games in Wednesday’s snug win over Wolves, netting both aspect of half-time earlier than teeing up Anthony Gordon for the Magpies’ third of the evening.
Their newest triumph lifts Eddie Howe’s aspect three factors above champions Manchester Metropolis and 9 behind Premier League leaders Liverpool – albeit having performed a sport extra.
And when requested if Newcastle have been now within the Premier League title race, former Newcastle and England striker Alan Shearer was adamant they have been.
“No, it is not,” Shearer advised Match of the Day when requested if the Reds’ benefit was insurmountable. “The shape that they [Newcastle] are in, the best way they’re wanting – they’re defensively strong, maintaining clear sheets. There is no such thing as a doubt that they’ve the system working.
“And with [Alexander Isak] up entrance, you have acquired an opportunity.”
So, might Newcastle realistically problem for the title?
Nobody is in higher kind than Howe’s aspect and historical past reveals it may be finished.
Arsenal have overcome the most important factors hole to win the Premier League title, in 1997-98. On the finish of December they have been 13 factors behind Manchester United, albeit with a sport in hand.
Manchester United overcame 12-point deficits in 1992-93 and 1995-96. The latter was after 23 video games, however they went on to complete 4 factors forward of Newcastle.
The Crimson Devils have additionally overcome a 10-point hole on three events, whereas Manchester Metropolis did the identical to Liverpool in 2018-19 by profitable 18 of their final 19 video games.
Having mentioned all that, it could take a dramatic slip up in kind from Liverpool for Newcastle to overtake them, with knowledge specialists Opta giving the Magpies only a 0.1% probability of profitable the league.
“Newcastle hold getting higher and higher,” former Arsenal defender Martin Keown advised TNT Sports activities. “They cannot cease scoring targets and Isak is wonderful.
“Their story retains constructing.”
