- Newcastle. Newcastle move up to second with big win away at Leicester
- Newcastle. Newcastle United owners narrowly avoid motorbike collision at Anfield
A state of euphoria has officially been declared at Newcastle. The resounding 3-0 victory over Leicester on Boxing Day allowed the Magpies to overtake Manchester City.
They have temporarily moved into second, seven points behind Arsenal, who have a game in hand.
"We're going to win the league," chanted Magpie fans at the King Power Stadium with some amusement.
A rapid rise for Newcastle
Exactly 365 days ago, Newcastle were second from the bottom with 10 points from 19 games.
Now they have 33 points from 16 games, their highest Premier League tally at this stage since the 39 they scored under Kevin Keegan at the start of the 1995/96 season.
Six consecutive victories - their best run in the top flight since March-April 2012 - have catapulted Newcastle into the top two, a position they haven't occupied since January 2003.
Their form has coincided with the club's purchase, just over a year ago, by the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund.
The gs of Bruno Guimaraes, Chris Wood, Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier and Matt Targett in the winter transfer window revitalized the team.
The role of Eddie Howe
The arrival of Eddie Howe as manager has done the rest. The former Bournemouth man has become, according to Opta, only the third English manager to win more than 20 Premier League games in a calendar year (21).
That's a feat previously achieved by Kevin Keegan (Newcastle, 1994 and 1995) and Roy Evans (1996).
"I have no problem with ers dreaming, talking and speculating about what we can achieve, but we must focus on what we can control and not look too far ahead or listen to what the media say," the coach stated.
"This is the toughest League in the world for a reason."
As for the players, Newcastle's success on the pitch is thanks to several of them.
The most obvious is Miguel Almiron. The Paraguayan playmaker hasn't slowed down despite the World Cup break. With his goal against Leicester, he has now scored eight goals in the last nine Premier League matches.
His metamorphosis has been incredible as he has scored the same number of goals this season, with nine, as in the 110 Premier League games played in the previous four seasons.
Trippier: A padlock in defense and a pick in attack
Special mention should also go to Kieran Trippier, who set up Joelinton from the corner to make it 3-0 against Leicester.
The former Atletico player has one goal and four assists in the Premier League.
Only Andrew Robertson, with five, sures him among defenders in of assists this season in the English league.
Trippier's influence in Howe's scheme is clear given how consistent he has been this season.
He hasn't neglected his defensive duties either. He's sixth in the Premier League in of ball recoveries (69) in the opponent's half. He's also second in of completed es from deep positions (19).
Along with Trippier and Almiron, Howe's system works thanks to the likes of Botman, Schar, Guimaraes and a Joelinton who has totally evolved.
The Brazilian has adapted wonderfully to his new position. No longer just a striker, he is more of a wide player who is more involved in regaining possession.
Able to play on the left flank in both forward and midfield positions, he makes most of his es forward.
It hasn't kept him out of the opponent's penalty area. Against Leicester he even hit the back of the net.
Then his compatriot, Bruno Guimaraes, with the No.39 on his back, is Newcastle's shining star. He is the link between the defense and the forward line, as he is in charge of setting the pace at which the Magpies play.
All the ball circulation es through the boots of the Brazilian, who is also able to provide the last that was missing at St James Park.
Close and compact lines
When looking at the midfield positions, it shows how the center-backs and, even more so, the full-backs, adopt quite advanced positions.
This is why Newcastle have caught the opposition offside the most this season (33).
Howe's team have also conceded the fewest goals (11) and kept the most clean sheets (8).
With lines that are so close, Newcastle have made the second most ball recoveries (1402) in the Premier League.
In addition, a third of them (492) are in the opponent's half, second only to Liverpool.
Intensity is not negotiable in Howe's system either. The English coach's usual 4-3-3 is not exempt from commitment in every play.
In addition to the good positioning of Newcastle's players on the pitch, there is also the energy with which they go to each 50/50 ball.
They lead the Premier League in of winning those battles (282). In Newcastle, they are dreaming big thanks to a group of players who have impressed in every aspect.