Newcastle have 53 points after beating West Ham big in London. The point they have only achieved in one season under former boss Mike Ashley. The Magpies' other good run in Premier League history has been 65 points in 2011 2012 and further, 58 points in 2005-06.
The 53 point number may not be as good as 65 or 58 points in the past, but currently The Magpies have only played 28/38 matches. They have 10 more matches to realize their Champions League dream, along with setting a record for points earned in a Premier League season in the club's historical achievement table.
It was thought Newcastle would be in crisis because of the old-fashioned performance since the beginning of the season, but Eddie Howe said no. The English tactician showed a tactical change in the match against West Ham, bringing on Callum Wilson and Joelinton to replace Alexander Isak and Joe Willock. In the end, the goals kept coming thanks to these reserve factors. It was even more surprising when they first started against Man United and played very well.
"It seems like Newcastle are tired. I don't think the team was good at every stage in this match. However, in spirit, all have exceeded the limit of success.
Newcastle sets very high standards for individuals and teams. We've never wanted to give up reaching those limits," Howe said after the game about why he was still quite angry about a foul by the players after the home team took a 2-0 lead.
Howe knows that such moments will cost him if his opponents are big names than West Ham. From such small details, we can see how the Magpies are trying to reach the next level. The Hammers' defeat was also the first time since 1998 that Newcastle have scored 5 away goals. 25 years ago, the "Magpies" scored the same number of goals against Coventry City.
Newcastle are emerging as a phenomenon like West Ham in the previous few seasons - a team ready to challenge the Big Six to secure a Champions League ticket. However, Eddie Howe's team is much stronger, more qualified, eager and especially has a stronger financial support than the surplus.
After two victories over Manchester United and West Ham to open a beautiful April, Newcastle will face Brentford, Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and Southampton in turn. Only Spurs are a team in the Big Six but are unstable, the rest of their opponents are rated lower in terms of level and stature than the "Magpies" at the moment.
If in a dream scenario, Howe and his team won all, the Champions League ticket would be the truth, not a dream anymore.
