- Newcastle United draw with Nottingham Forest leaves little to be desired
- Magpies can still climb up Premier League table
- Major improvement is required
Two weeks from today, another Premier League season will come to an end and, while it has not been the most enjoyable campaign for Newcastle United supporters, it gives them time to reset before hoping their side can turn things around.
This weekend’s draw with Nottingham Forest highlighted exactly what has gone right and wrong for the team this season. They took the lead through substitute Harvey Barnes, but deep into stoppage time, Elliot Anderson — a former Magpies academy star — struck to shatter the Toon Army’s hopes of taking all three points.
With just one point gained, it appears the European hopes that were spoken about following the win over Brighton are now fully off the table. With that said, let’s take a look at where the Black and Whites could finish once the campaign comes to a close.
Where can Newcastle United finish in the Premier League?
At this stage, the Magpies sit 13th in the table, with no possibility of relegation and virtually no chance of reaching the Conference League.
Their final home match of the season at St James’ Park takes place this week against West Ham, who are fighting to preserve their Premier League status, with either the Hammers or Tottenham destined for relegation.
The following Sunday, they travel to face Fulham, who are in a similar position to Eddie Howe’s side. Marco Silva’s men currently sit 11th, although European qualification also appears highly unlikely for them.
On paper, the highest points total the Tyneside outfit can finish with this season is 52, which could move them into the top eight if the teams around them drop points. However, several of those sides will face each other over the final two matchweeks.
That said, if Newcastle fail to pick up a point from their final two games and the teams below them collect positive results, the lowest they can finish is 16th. They would still remain above Tottenham, who can only reach a maximum of 43 points.
Looking at the table, with Sunderland two points ahead and Crystal Palace two points behind the Magpies, there is a strong possibility Newcastle have already secured their final league position for the season.
Eddie Howe must do better next term
Last summer, a dark cloud hung over the club following the controversial departure of Alexander Isak and the pressure and scrutiny that came with it. However, the arrivals of Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade offered supporters a sense of a fresh start.
Unfortunately for Howe, they have failed to take it, and they have had a slow, uninspiring campaign in the North East.
This season is said and done, but the supporters want to see much more from a talented squad next season in their hopes to return to the upward trajectory the team was on.
In other news, Newcastle United stadium expansion could hit another snag after local elections.
