Now, that was anything but pretty.
Newcastle United have gone toe-to-toe with the best the Premier League has to offer this season, and have never fallen this short.
A 14-minute hat-trick from Omar Marmoush and a late James McAtee strike saw the Cityzens edge three points clear of the Magpies in the race for Champions League qualification.
But what does the result really mean for the Magpies’ season as a whole? We asked AI tool ‘Grok’ where each team would finish come May this season - and the result may well surprise.
1. Sunderland - 20th
Their return to the Premier League is likely to be brief. Promoted teams have historically struggled (e.g., Southampton’s 2024/25 relegation), and Sunderland’s squad may lack the quality to survive. | Getty Images
2. Burnley - 19th
Burnley’s promotion brings them back, but their 2023/24 relegation exposed defensive frailties. Simulations predict all promoted sides will struggle, and Burnley’s lack of top-tier depth could see them drop. | Getty Images
3. Leeds United - 18th
Leeds return to the Premier League for 2025/26, but data suggests promoted sides struggle, with all three projected to go down. Their attacking style may not translate against stronger opposition, leading to relegation. | Getty Images
4. Brentford - 17th
Brentford’s established status under Thomas Frank is a strength, but their reliance on key players like Bryan Mbeumo (if he stays) and a potential Frank departure to a bigger club could destabilize them. A 17th-place finish reflects caution. | Getty Images