As Michael Bennett has already pointed out on The Mag, two of the three Newcastle United Champions League rivals in the ‘Group of Death’ (Borussia Dortmund and PSG) have made it to the semi-finals of the tournament, where they will play each other again.
Well done to both of them but I would much prefer it if Dortmund reach the final and go on to possibly lift the trophy.
Just a few months down the line and Newcastle’s exit from the Champions League doesn’t seem to hurt as much.
What has recently irked me though is some people referring to NUFC as a Premier League mid-table team.
“Mid-table mediocrity is not what was on the Saudis’ agenda” is one of quotes that has been bandied about.
As far as I can see, Newcastle United have always been in with a shout of qualifying for Europe this season and since when has finishing 6th or 7th ever equalled being in mid-table?
I’ve even heard the mid-table term used by some of our own supporters and have actually told them to their faces that they are using the stupid rhetoric and narrative of the jealous mackems.
It has also been repeated by fans of other clubs, who have become obsessed with Newcastle since the takeover, rival fans who are literally bricking it that we are on the brink of regularly challenging for silverware and ultimately becoming very successful.
We are currently beautifully placed in 6th position. A Europa League place is in our own hands, we have a canny run-in and our goal difference is much better than our rivals.
I wrote a recent article about the possibility of Alexander Isak joining exalted company, becoming the first Toon player since Alan Shearer to hit 20 Premier League goals.
The Rolls Royce has blasted 21 goals this season so far, with 17 coming in the League.
I reckon Alex will get the goals required in the next few weeks. The squad is gaining in confidence and things are looking brighter on the injury front.
Next time you read about or hear someone mention that Newcastle United are no more than a mid-table team, keep in mind what that term really means.
Howe about languishing in 13th place in the Championship with nothing left to play for?
