Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe did not offer any excuses following his team’s 2-0 defeat against Crystal Palace. It was evident that United performed poorly, and there were moments when complacency seemed to have affected their performance. Despite showing signs of improvement in recent matches, Howe’s team struggled to find solutions on a challenging evening. There are no justifications for their performance, and some players may be at risk of being replaced in a significant summer overhaul. However, it is important to acknowledge that certain players are nearing the end of their natural cycle, and some of the shortcomings observed at Selhurst Park were to be expected.
Howe is likely aware of these factors, but he cannot make any new signings before the end of May. Thus, he must continue to motivate a patched-up team. The composition of his next team sheet and the formation he chooses will be intriguing to observe.
In the previous season, Eddie Howe’s team exceeded expectations by securing Champions League qualification and even managed to defeat Paris St-Germain. Their remarkable journey continued as they narrowly missed advancing from a challenging group stage, earning them a fairytale reputation. However, it is important to recognize the reality of Newcastle’s current situation as they approach the third anniversary of the Saudi-backed takeover.
In contrast to Manchester City, which is owned by the Abu Dhabi United Group, Newcastle United has not had the same financial freedom due to Premier League Salary Cost Management Protocol (SCMP) rules and Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. They have not been able to spend lavishly and achieve immediate success like Manchester City, and it is unlikely that they will win the Premier League title in their fourth year, as City did.
Newcastle has been restricted by strict guidelines and the genuine threat of points deductions, which have previously affected clubs like Everton and Nottingham Forest. Therefore, it is crucial for Newcastle to be realistic about their current situation.
Sitting in seventh place with five games remaining, Newcastle is probably close to where they should be considering the blend of marquee signings and players initially brought in to secure their Premier League status. Eddie Howe deserves recognition for managing a demanding schedule and coping with a significant injury list this season, yet still being in contention for a European place.
When Rafa Benitez departed Newcastle in 2019 due to a perceived lack of ambition, he recognized that the squad had done well to maintain their Premier League status. However, in the recent match against Crystal Palace, six players from that squad were in the starting lineup.
Players like Emil Krafth, who faced criticism after the Palace game, Jacob Murphy, and Callum Wilson were signed to help Newcastle remain in the Premier League, not to challenge for European qualification. The progress Newcastle has made would have been unimaginable not long ago, and it is important to remember this and avoid an overly impatient mindset.
In terms of player turnover, Newcastle has taken a relatively gradual approach. Howe included 10 players inherited from previous regimes in his 20-man matchday squad. Although Newcastle has spent £400 million since the takeover, several key signings were unavailable for the Palace match, and even pre-takeover signings Joe Willock, Joelinton, and Miguel Almiron were sidelined with injuries.
Despite these challenges, Howe refrained from making excuses after the defeat to Palace. He focused on the present and acknowledged that his team must take responsibility for the loss. A comprehensive assessment of the squad should be reserved until the season concludes.
While their performance against Palace was subpar, considering the difficulties they have faced this season, many teams and managers would have written off the campaign due to injuries. However, with five games remaining, Newcastle is not willing to accept that fate. Qualifying for Europe would be a significant achievement this season, considering the adversity they have overcome.
Whether a European qualification for Newcastle United will be celebrated wildly is difficult to predict. Looking back to 1994, supporters can recall a 2-0 defeat against Sheffield United that led to exuberant celebrations in the away end. Despite the loss, Newcastle secured a European spot due to Arsenal’s home defeat to West Ham on the same day. It marked the club’s return to European competitions after a lengthy absence since the 1970s. While finishing fourth last season was a significant achievement, securing a place in the Europa League or Europa Conference League this season would be even more remarkable.
Whether the achievement is celebrated, cherished, or savored will vary among individuals. Eddie Howe will have accomplished this with a squad that is considered less equipped compared to teams like Brighton, Chelsea, West Ham, the big-spending Bournemouth, and a Wolves side that has made significant investments.
As expectations rise and Newcastle enters new territory on the global football stage, it is easy to lose sight of where the club has come from. However, the diehard fans who were present on a chilly night in Croydon continued to applaud their team despite the defeat, as they are aware of the club’s history and journey.
Perhaps the famous quote from Steve Jobs is applicable to Newcastle United’s current situation. Jobs once said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever.”
When players, officials, and fans of Newcastle reflect on this season, it may be considered a particularly special one. The end of the 1993/94 season saw Kevin Keegan’s Entertainers, which resulted in fans emptying the old Bigg Market of its drinks. While a repeat of such a night may be unlikely if European qualification is secured this season, it would undoubtedly be a cause for celebration, and many glasses would be raised on Tyneside if Geordie fans find themselves preparing for another European campaign.
It is acceptable to feel frustrated and disappointed about the recent loss, and criticism is valid. However, it is also important to maintain a realistic perspective.
