Newcastle United signed off their home campaign in style on Monday night beating Arsenal 2-0 – a scoreline that flattered Arsenal, really. (Match report here).
The main stream media will likely follow on from the Sky Sports narrative that Arsenal were woeful (which they were) but hardly any mention was made of just how good Newcastle were, with 11 potential Man Of The Match performances. It was an accomplished showing all-round and at the perfect way to lead into the post-match lap of honour.
The players, staff and their families were joined by the owners as they lapped the hallowed turf applauding the superb home support after an electric atmosphere – aided in no small part by the breathtaking “Wor Flags” display.
Post-match highlights included seeing Bruno Guimaraes joining in with the crowd singing Joelinton‘s “He’s Brazilian” chant highlighting the bond the two have created in their short time as teammates. Speaking to NUFCTV, Joelinton called out the fans as “The best in the world”.
After achieving the impossible having secured safety despite not winning a single game in the first 14 matches, the post-match scenes quite rightly had the look and feel of a cup win. Mehrdad Ghodoussi at one point jumped into the Leazes End crowd for hugs with the supporters before carrying along the touchline pumping his fists.
The biggest take away from all of this, is that the future is bright. So. Very. Bright. If this team can do this, imagine what will be possible next season after a full pre-season with Eddie Howe and his crew and a revamped squad. Exciting times are coming and it genuinely feels like we are only a couple of seasons away from some form of tangible success, be it European place, a cup win …. a league title?