- Roy Keane on Newcastle United’s struggles
- Pinpoint the two biggest setbacks this season
- Man Utd icon delivers Eddie Howe verdict
Newcastle United have endured an underwhelming 2025-26 campaign across all competitions, but look set to finish on a high.
After four successive Premier League losses last month, Eddie Howe’s side have responded with two wins and a draw in their last three, beating West Ham United quite comfortably last night.
A brace from Will Osula and a first-half strike from Nick Woltemade sealed the deal for the Magpies, with Taty Castellanos scoring for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
Newcastle United are currently 11th but could break into the top half of the Premier League table if they beat Fulham next week.
And Roy Keane has delivered his verdict on their performances this season as he named two pivotal games they failed to get results in.
Roy Keane spot on with Newcastle United verdict
The Magpies finished fifth in the Premier League last season and also beat Liverpool in the final of the Carabao Cup.
They were expected to build on it during the 2025-26 campaign, but it never materialised due to a combination of factors.
Their new signings have blown hot and cold, which has led to inconsistency across all competitions.
And Keane believes losing 7-2 to Barcelona in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 and then topping it off with another defeat against bitter rivals Sunderland four days later was a run that effectively killed Newcastle’s season.
“Newcastle, on their day, when they are full of energy, are a team to watch. You look at some of the results they’ve had and it’s probably not been good enough.
“The two disappointments which they probably recovered from – the second game against Barcelona and Sunderland. They were big setbacks. There is a nucleus of a good team at Newcastle and overall, Eddie Howe has done an excellent job.”
Keane on Newcastle United’s summer transfer window plans
After beating West Ham, Eddie Howe claimed Newcastle face an important summer in terms of transfers.
Anthony Gordon has already agreed personal terms with Bayern Munich, while Joe Willock and Jacob Murphy are set to leave Newcastle United, along with Kieran Trippier.
Keane has echoed Howe’s post-match claims, suggesting that the upcoming summer transfer window will decide whether or not the Magpies can compete next season.
“Obviously, the expectations after last year, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League and winning the cup, they didn’t cope with those expectations,” said Keane on Sky Sports.
“If they can finish in the top half, they’ll lick their wounds. Eddie Howe has already mentioned that it’s a big summer in terms of recruitment. You have to get that right and also get a few players out.”
Newcastle are unbeaten in their last three Premier League games and will look to finish on a high with a win against Fulham, which will also take them to the top half of the Premier League if results go their way.
