Newcastle’s resurgence: What has changed in 15 months?

New arrivals Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman and Bruno Guimaraes in particular have more-than justified the money invested in their services, but they have been supported by significant development in some of the men Howe inherited with Fabian Schar, Joelinton, Sean Longstaff and Miguel Almiron playing key roles.

In that respect, Howe’s appointment has been as important, if not more so, as any other element of a recruitment drive which has also brought sporting director Dan Ashworth and chief executive Darren Eales to Tyneside.

Is it all down to money?

Newcastle splashed out around £210million in the first two transfer windows under their new owners and committed a further £48million on Everton frontman Anthony Gordon and West Ham full-back Harrison Ashby last month.

The club’s spending power is undeniable despite their repeated warnings over the restrictions imposed by financial regulations, and accusations of sportswashing sit uncomfortably with some fans. However, relatively-modest expenditure on Pope, Trippier and Dan Burn has proved astute and the blending of newcomers with the existing squad has been hugely impressive.

What does the future hold?

The burning question. The Magpies have ruffled feathers already this season with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp among those to have been exercised by a potential top-six gatecrasher.

St. James' Park erupts! 💥 pic.twitter.com/GIRpifXQWl

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) February 1, 2023

Howe rightly points out that his side has achieved nothing yet, although that could change at Wembley on February 26. Whether they can stay the pace in the Premier League this season remains to be seen, but even if they do not, that remains the focus of their long-term strategy.

What do the Newcastle odds suggest?

Looking at the latest Premier League betting, the Magpies are well on course for a top-four finish at 8/11 while a top-six finish and a European place are almost nailed on at 1/8.

They are out to 66/1 in the Premier League winner odds given they trail Arsenal by 11 points and have played a game more but they are 11/10 to end their trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup.

View the latest Premier League odds

All odds and markets correct as of date of publication