Two games. Four points. Not many expected Newcastle United to make a bright start to the new Premier League season following a summer of major change.
Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon have gone, and so too has Eddie Howe. But under Matthias Jaissle, a young Magpies squad are threatening to prove their doubters wrong,
United were seconds away from beating Liverpool on the opening day but a late Dominik Szoboszlai penalty forced them to settle for a point. But there was no denying Jaissle’s side at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening as second-half goals from Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa clinched a 2-0 victory.
Two down, 36 matches to go. Where will Newcastle end up this season? Premier League data experts Opta have predicted how the 2026-27 table will finish. Take a look below:
1. Lukas Hornicek - 8.5
Showed strong reflexes and reactions to keep Tottenham Hotspur at bay. Assured, just like he was against Liverpool on the opening day. | Getty Images
2. Amar Dedic - 9
Outstanding at both ends of the pitch and claimed a third assist in two games. Tino Livramento has some job trying to get back into the XI. | Getty Images
3. Malick Thiaw - 7
Wore the armband once again in Dan Burn and Joelinton’s continued absence. Defended well in the main, bar some wayward passes. | Getty Images
4. Sven Botman - 8
Night and day to his performances in pre-season. Rock solid in his third 90 minutes in a row. Looking robust. | Getty Images