Many Newcastle fans were hopeful of a decent 2022–23 season following how the previous season ended, but none of them could have predicted how well it would eventually go.
The Magpies regained their status as one of the “big boys” in the English Premier League, dispatching teams with ease and exhibiting some of the best football played across Europe.
Eddie Howe guided Newcastle to the Carabao Cup final, their first cup final in 33 years. He also helped them finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years, while also conceding the fewest goals in the league and keeping the meanest defense all season long.
Best Player: Callum Wilson
The Englishman is familiar with Eddie Howe from their time at Vitality Stadium with Bournemouth. Wilson has always been a clinical finisher, but his 2022–23 season took him to another echelon.
The 31-year-old led the Magpies’ front line for a large part of the season as part of a formidable trio with Alexander Isak and Miguel Almiron.
Wilson finished the season with 18 goals and five assists in 31 appearances for Newcastle. He was also part of the Three Lions squad that represented England at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Flop Signing: Matt Targett
After a decent display during his loan move in the 2021–22 season, Targett joined Newcastle on a permanent deal worth around £15 million. However, the former Aston Villa left back was unable to replicate the performances that birthed his new contract.
The 27-year-old lost his place to boyhood Newcastle fan and former Brighton defender Dan Burn, who is originally not a fullback.
Targett managed just 17 appearances for Howe’s side in the Premier League, starting only six games and playing a measly 603 minutes of football in England’s top-flight.
Best Game: Newcastle 6 vs Tottenham 1
The Magpies enjoyed a series of memorable results in the just-concluded season, but their standout performance was against Tottenham Hotspur at St. James’ Park on April 23.
The Tyneside outfit humiliated their North London opponents, scoring five goals in the first 21 minutes and three goals in the first nine minutes of play.
A brace from Isak and Jacob Murphy, along with efforts from Joelinton and Wilson, helped Howe’s men to their best result of the season, marking the first time they completed a league double over Spurs in seven seasons.
Worst Result: Aston Villa 3 vs Newcastle 0
Newcastle traveled to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa with the hopes of completing a league double over their rivals following their 4-0 win in the reverse fixture.
However, the Magpies were met with a totally different Villa team under the tutelage of Spanish tactician Unai Emery, who had turned the fortunes of one of England’s traditional clubs around.
Emery’s team made light work of Newcastle, handing them a 3-0 defeat in what could have been way worse if not for the crossbar coming to their rescue on two separate occasions. An early opener from Jacob Ramsey and a brace from Ollie Watkins were enough to help the Villans exert revenge.
Top Scorer: Callum Wilson
Wilson had arguably his best season in the Premier League with 18 goals—the most he’s had in the Premier League—despite only starting 21 matches.
The former Bournemouth man averaged a goal every 105 minutes, had 73 shots on target, scored three penalties and was unlucky to hit the woodwork four times.
