Finishing seventh in the Premier League last season – just three points and one place behind Chelsea in the Conference League spot – Newcastle targeted a serious push for a return to the Champions League in 2024-25 without the distractions of continental competition, but that mission has started slowly as the harsh winter months draw closer.
A four-match unbeaten run in the league at the beginning of the term provided cause for optimism on Tyneside, although the Magpies are now in the midst of a five-game winless streak on English football’s top table, concerning form that was worsened by a narrow defeat to the Blues at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.
