Newcastle United defined many odds and expectations for the 2022-23 campaign as they sealed a spot in the Champions League after finishing fourth in the Premier League table.
Qualifying in Europe’s most elite competition was not even in Eddie Howe’s wildest dreams at the start of the season but here are Newcastle now at the moment. They will be fighting with the continent’s big boys for the first time in two decades.
From the Magpies battling relegation in the 2021-22 season to now finishing in the top four, Eddie Howe deserves massive plaudits for the remarkable transformation of the club. Alongside being involved in the Champions League, the Premier League itself will have lofty expectations for Newcastle next season.
With a successful campaign behind them, Eddie Howe will be keen to benefit from the development and prominence the team has gained. That said, here are three areas Newcastle must improve on next season to battle for major honours.
- Focus on bolstering central midfield
Eddie Howe currently has Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock and Joelinton as frontline midfielders.
Elliot Anderson has got opportunities to showcase his talent this past season but he is still very young and not ready to start games regularly in the Premier League. Plus, Matt Ritchie’s contract at the club is due to expire later this month and a decision on Matty Longstaff will need to be made once he returns from his loan spell.
So, it is simple Eddie Howe’s primary focus should be on bolstering the midfield unit in the summer transfer window in order to compete in multiple competitions next term.
- Keep hold of star performers
Newcastle have enjoyed a great season in the Premier League, and a number of players have grabbed the headlines for their consistently good performances including Bruno Guimaraes, Sven Botman, Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak.
The aforementioned core of players have been pivotal to the Magpies’ success, and with the likes of Bruno and Isak attracting interest from top European clubs, it is crucial that Howe and the club do everything possible to keep hold of the duo.
Bruno arrived from Lyon in January 2022, and over the last 18 months, he has established himself as one of the most impactful midfielders in the Premier League. Isak, who became Newcastle’s club-record signing in the summer, may have endured an injury-hit debut campaign but the Swede’s presence in the attack during the second half of the campaign was hugely felt.
- Consistency
Newcastle maintained a good level of consistency throughout the season and to emulate it again next term will be a challenge.
The Magpies lost a total of just five times in 38 league games, winning 19 and drawing 14. The way Eddie Howe and co. stringed good results after results and gained momentum in the first half of the campaign was impressive.
While the Premier League is regarded as the most competitive league in the world, consistency is something that separates the good from the best teams, and Newcastle must do their level best to hit similar levels of consistency next season if they are to improve.