Newcastle United ahead of schedule

Whisper it quietly but Newcastle United are actually ahead of schedule.

Eddie Howe’s side had already been performing well in the Champions League and Carabao Cup.

Through to a fourth Carabao Cup quarter-final in a row.

Whilst three wins from five in Europe, putting Newcastle United eleventh of thirty-six teams in the Champions League table, one point off the top eight place and automatic qualification for the knockout stages with three games left to play.

Now with 10 points from a possible 12 in the Premier League, Newcastle United making rapid ground.

On this Monday morning only four points off top four and only three points adrift of fifth place, with a top five position very likely to give Champions League qualification once again.

At this stage in the 2024/25 Premier League season, Newcastle United had a record of:

Played 15 Won 5 Drawn 5 Lost 5

Eddie Howe’s side with 20 points after 15 Premier League matches.

At the same stage in this 2025/26 Premier League season, Newcastle United have a record of:

Played 15 Won 6 Drawn 4 Lost 5

Newcastle United actually ahead of schedule by two points, compared to last season.

That 2024/25 season saw Eddie Howe and his players end up fifth in the Premier League on 66 points and qualify for the Champions League. Newcastle United picking up another 46 points in the final 23 PL matches last season, at an average of exactly 2.00 points per match.

To match last season’s 66 points total, Eddie Howe’s side need another 44 points in the remaining 23 PL matches, at an average of 1.91 points per game. Basically, if picking up the equivalent of two wins every three Premier League matches (six points from nine), Newcastle United would end up this season with 68 points.

The opening 11 Premier League matches this season had brought Newcastle United 12 points, an average of only 1.09 points per game.

These last four Premier League games have brought 10 points, at an average of 2.50 points per match.

Only a small sample to go on but definitely clear signs of things coming together, especially with Hall and Livramento looking so good on their returns to the starting eleven. Anthony Gordon as well, as a sub against Spurs and then very good against Burnley, plus of course Yoane Wissa at last getting onto the pitch.

With this season having been so difficult to predict, no four or five clubs dominant over the rest, I think every chance that repeating last season’s 66 points would bring a top five finish for Newcastle United once again. It could even potentially be even lower than that points needed.

All of the Premier League clubs outside the top three have won less than half their 15 Premier League matches, so it really is all to play for.