Back-to-back defeats to Premier League title-chasing Liverpool and Manchester City won’t take anything away from the job Eddie Howe has done at Newcastle United this season.
The Magpies were deep in relegation trouble when the 45-year-old was appointed head coach in November. And while his impact wasn’t instant, patience certainly paid off.
Since the turn of the year, United’s form of 10 wins and two draws - accumulating to a points total of 32 - has been bettered only by Liverpool and City.
Incredibly, Newcastle have gone from relegation favourites to retaining their top-flight status with games to spare as they look to end the season on a high against Arsenal and Burnley.
Newcastle currently sit 13th in the Premier League table - but how would that differ if the campaign started when Howe took charge? NewcastleWorld takes a look.
Since the turn of the year, United’s form of 10 wins and two draws - accumulating to a points total of 32 - has been bettered only by Liverpool and City.