Features
2021/22 season review - December
At the 15th time of asking, Newcastle United recorded their first Premier League victory of the season but would end 2021 in the division's bottom three ahead of a heavily anticipated January transfer window.
Taking on four of last season's top five clubs in the space of 16 days, Newcastle faced a tough test to maintain their bid for Premier League safety.
However, their final fixture of the year provided optimism for the Magpies, with a dominant midfield display from Joelinton leaving fans amazed by the Brazilian's man-of-the-match performance.
With Covid-19 cases and injuries amongst the first-team squad over the festive period, the Magpies' scheduled fixtures away at Everton and Southampton were to be postponed.
Saturday, 4th December
Newcastle United 1 Burnley 0
Callum Wilson's superb first-half strike ensured a crucial three points for the Magpies against relegation rivals Burnley, giving Eddie Howe his first win as Newcastle head coach since his appointment the previous month.
Frontman Wilson handed the hosts a slender lead after reacting quickest to Nick Pope's spill after attempting to claim Joe Willock's cross before the striker cooly lifted the ball into the roof of the net.
Burnley substitute Jay Rodriguez looked to have salvaged a point for the Clarets but the forward had strayed into an offside position to the relief of the home crowd.
Sunday, 12th December
Leicester City 4 Newcastle United 0
Newcastle remained in the relegation zone, three points adrift of safety, following a heavy defeat at the King Power Stadium.
Youri Tielemans netted from the penalty spot before the half-time break, following Jamaal Lascelles' foul on James Maddison inside the box, before Patson Daka completed a neat move to doubled the Foxes' advantage.
United's hopes of a comeback were ended as Tielemans notched the hosts' third of the afternoon, rifling the ball into the roof of the net, before Maddison sealed the victory on a forgettable afternoon for the Magpies.
Thursday, 16th December
Liverpool 3 Newcastle United 1
Newcastle were back on the road four days later as they travelled to Anfield to face Premier League title challengers Liverpool.
After a promising start from the visitors, which saw former Reds midfielder Jonjo Shelvey score in front of the Kop, the 2019/20 Premier League champions scored twice in four minutes, courtesy of Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah.
The Magpies claimed a dramatic 95th-minute equaliser in their previous trip to Merseyside but their hopes of salvaging a point were distinguished as Trent Alexander-Arnold's unstoppable drive from distance flew into the top left-hand corner.
Sunday, 19th December
Newcastle United 0 Manchester City 4
There would no early Christmas present for the Magpies, who suffered another difficult defeat at the hands of reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.
Rúben Dias capitalised on a defensive mistake to nod the Citizens into an early lead before João Cancelo's solo effort doubled their advantage.
Howe and his side were left frustrated moments later as Ryan Fraser was denied a penalty after being swiped down by Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson before second-half strikes from Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling rounded off a comfortable victory for Pep Guardiola's side.
Monday, 27th December
Newcastle United 1 Manchester United 1
In what proved to be the Magpies' final fixture of 2021, Newcastle were aiming to end the year on a high ahead of facing the Red Devils.
Allan Saint-Maximin's stunning strike sent the hosts ahead in the opening stages before the Frenchman was denied after the break by David De Gea.
Substitute Edinson Cavani equalised for the visitors before, in a pulsating finish, Jacob Murphy struck the post before Miguel Almirón's follow-up strike was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by De Gea.
