Thread by @nufcsanjay

THREAD🧵: Newcastle United 2022/23: A Season in Review ⏪

This campaign has been an incredible journey, and not many people thought it would end the way it has for #NUFC. Let’s relive it.

The summer was one of real optimism following the way we finished the 21/22 season. Especially with a full pre-season under Eddie Howe, and with the squad surely being strengthened, there was a feeling that this Newcastle United side could really start to push on.

The transfer window started quickly with the signings of Targett, Pope and Botman, before a quiet period which culminated in the marquee signing of Swedish forward Alexander Isak for £63m.

Expectations for the season were mixed: some would’ve said that top half was a realistic ambition, and perhaps some of the more ambitious fans would’ve looked for a push for Conference League or even Europa League football.

From a brief tactical standpoint, Howe made only one really noticeable tweak to the system.

Dan Burn quickly became a mainstay in a “defensive left-back” role. It allowed us to build out in a three, get Trippier higher, and have Willock attack the touchline more.

The other principles stayed the same. We were an intensely physical side, pressed high, and wanted to play every game on our terms.

Trippier’s set-pieces were a regular route to chance creation, and the defensive fundamentals that Howe stamped on this side were still evident.

A routine opening day victory against Forest was followed by a flurry of frustrating results – below-par performances away at Wolves and Brighton, a heartbreaking late loss away at Anfield, and two impotent (and slightly unlucky) homes draws to Bournemouth and Palace.

Most memorably though, that run contained a classic at home against Man City. After we took a 3-1 lead in the second half, the champions roared back to level it – but it was a sign of more to come.

It was a day where we saw what #NUFC could become.

We started October in 10th place, with ambitions starting to be tempered. However, it was a month which was the catalyst for the rest of our season.

A Nathaniel Chalobah red card allowed us to romp past Fulham, before we thrashed Brentford at home, 5-1.

October was then rounded off with three straight victories, most notably against Tottenham
Hotspur.

Miguel Almirón hit the form of his life, bagging 6 goals, Player of the Month, Goal of the Month, and Eddie Howe also picking up Manager of the Month.

A routine away victory at Southampton saw Willock open his account for the season, which was followed by another goal for him at home against Chelsea. It was an evening which started to make the European ambitions start to feel real.

The World Cup break saw us sitting pretty in 3rd place, which was already remarkable. Considering our record signing Isak had hardly had a kick, and Wilson and Saint-Maximin both had spells out, it was hugely impressive for us to be there.

We came back from the World Cup break in style with a comfortable 3-0 win away at Leicester, followed by three more consecutive clean sheets to see us through a slightly scratchy month of January.

Meanwhile, we were cruising in the Carabao Cup. Dan Burn’s first #NUFC goal saw us into a cup semi-final, where we routinely beat Southampton over two legs, with Sean Longstaff bagging a brace at SJP.

Eddie Howe had led us to our first cup final of the 2000s.

The build-up to the cup final arguably served as a distraction to our league process. Bruno Guimarães’ suspension also contributed to a slight dip in form over February, which saw us go winless for 5 games.

The big day at Wembley rolled around, and as we know, it wasn’t our day. Loris Karius made his debut on the day with a commendable performance, but Manchester United made the big moments count.

We’ll be back there soon.

Focus was now back solely on league football. Questions were starting to be asked of whether we could rediscover our pre-World Cup form, or whether this slump in form would continue, and see us miss out on Champions League football.

March and April were months where we dispelled any such concerns. A dramatic late win at Forest, an excellent performance at home against Man Utd, and a 5-1 away thumping of West Ham saw us string together five consecutive wins.

We waltzed back into third, and although we faltered against Villa, we followed it up with our result of the season.

5-0 after 20 minutes, and 6-1 at full time against Spurs. No one could believe what they were witnessing. A truly memorable day.

It was a part of the season where these two took the mantle. Two forwards both driving each other to improve, and seemingly scoring every time they took the pitch.

Whether it was one or the other, or both in the same side: Isak and Wilson = goals.

A comfortable win at Goodison Park and a comeback win against Southampton left us so close to the promised land. Even after dropping points against Arsenal and Leeds, it was still in our hands, and we made it almost certain with a 4-1 win against Brighton.

It was a huge night for us, and one that’ll live long in the memory.

Dan Burn with another big moment, and that Bruno Guimarães goal was one that just felt so special. He’d been great all season, and he deserved that moment.

Three days later, we confirmed it. A 0-0 draw against Leicester was enough to see us reinstate ourselves amongst Europe’s elite, and against all odds.

Newcastle United were back where they deserved to be.

What a season. I never thought I’d witness something like this in my whole life. Huge credit to Eddie Howe and his staff, the players for buying into his philosophy, and of course this ever-loyal fanbase.

The future is so bright for #NUFC, but enjoy this very moment.

The summer will be exciting, and next season will be amazing, but we’ve defied expectations this season in a way which will be difficult to repeat. Drink it in.