The Top Flight
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English Premier League: Newcastle season review – Benitez regains his status

By Orri Benatar

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - APRIL 15: Matt Ritchie of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring his sides second goal with Deandre Yedlin of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St. James Park on April 15, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - APRIL 15: Matt Ritchie of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring his sides second goal with Deandre Yedlin of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St. James Park on April 15, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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The Magpies journey to the Premier League was also one of seeking consistency. After a 10th-place finish, Rafa Benitez might have made Newcastle consistent again.

Newcastle Season Review

The return of Newcastle wasn’t exactly glorious, to begin with. After a three-game winning streak, the Magpies only amassed two wins in their next 14 games. In those 14 games, they lost nine and looked to be heading right back to the Championship.

The Christmas period for Rafa Benitez was joyous and merry as Newcastle got seven points in four games. That sparked a run that earned back the reputation that made Rafa Benitez a great manager. After New Year’s, Newcastle only lost twice and then went on a season-changing four-game winning run in March.

Victories over Arsenal, Man United, and Chelsea got Newcastle into the top ten of the table on 44 points. Rafa Benitez has once again made the Magpies the EPL regular we remember during the time of Alan Shearer.

Biggest Win: 3-0 vs. Southampton (March 10th)

The four-game winning streak in March began with an impressive performance against Southampton at St. James’ Park. The offense was clicking, the defense was holding, and everything worked perfectly for Newcastle’s best performance of the season. If you want proof Newcastle was one of the ten best teams in England, this game is the proof.

Heaviest Defeat: 3-2 vs. Leicester (December 9th)

The fall and early winter were rough for the Geordies. Newcastle finally got a point when they drew West Brom 2-2 at the Hawthorns to end a four-match losing streak. Immediately, the losing returned with a 3-1 loss at Chelsea. Another loss came at home against Leicester City in a must-win match.

After a Dwight Gayle equalizer in the 73rd minute, Newcastle lost on an Ayoze Perez own goal in the 86th minute. The worst way to lose at home during the worst portion of Newcastle’s season.

Best Player: Jonjo Shelvey

Shelvey’s numbers aren’t the greatest (One goal and three assists), but his impact on the pitch was vital for the Magpies. Shelvey averaged a 6.79 rating out of ten for the duration of the season. This ranks as one of the highest for a Newcastle player. His passing is superb and for an attacking midfielder, his defending and tackling is strong. Shelvey was even tipped by some to make the England squad.

Mediocre Player: Matt Ritchie

Next: Crystal Palace season review

There wasn’t one player to pinpoint for having a terrible season. Matt Ritchie had a mediocre season at best in the black and white. Ritchie is a perfect example for a player that doesn’t transition well from the Championship to the Premier League. After 12 goals in 2016-17 in the Championship, Ritchie only scored three this season.

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