Features
2021/22 season review - January
Written by Luke Vinton
Newcastle United welcomed the addition of five new players during the January transfer window whilst an important away victory at Leeds United would spark an upturn in results for Eddie Howe's men.
Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimarães, Dan Burn and Matt Targett all arrived on Tyneside but the month did not begin in positive fashion.
A shock FA Cup exit at home to League One side Cambridge United, along with a disappointing 1-1 draw against relegation rivals Watford, failed to hand supporters confidence as the Magpies remained in the relegation zone.
However, a key turning point in the Magpies' season would occur at Elland Road before jetting out to Saudi Arabia for a week-long warm weather training camp.
Saturday, 8th January
Newcastle United 0 Cambridge United 1
Newcastle finished on the wrong end of a classic FA Cup upset as Cambridge United knocked the Magpies out of the competition at the third round stage.
Following Trippier's arrival from La Liga champions Atlético Madrid on Friday, the right-back was handed his debut at St. James' Park.
In front of over 51,000 spectators, Newcastle were unable to score past inspired goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov before Joe Ironside netted the eventual winner for the U's to dump Eddie Howe's side out of the cup at their first hurdle.
Saturday, 15th January
Newcastle United 1 Watford 1
João Pedro's late leveller denied Newcastle a much-needed second league win of the season as well as moving out of the relegation zone for the first time in 106 days.
The Magpies handed out another debut, this time to Wood following the striker's move from Burnley, before St. James' Park erupted as Allan Saint-Maximin's drilled finish sent the hosts into the lead.
With the clock ticking towards full-time, though, Howe's side were dealt a crushing blow as Pedro's header in the closing stages resulted in boos from the home crowd at the final whistle.
Saturday, 22nd January
Leeds United 0 Newcastle 1
Jonjo Shelvey's free-kick sealed Newcastle's first away win of the 2021/22 campaign as the Magpies moved within a point of safety.
Joelinton, Paul Dummett and Jamaal Lascelles were all forced off through injury at Elland Road but Eddie Howe's side dug deep to record a valuable three points.
After Javier Manquillo was taken down on the edge of the penalty area, following the Spaniard's dangerous run, Shelvey's low free-kick crept past Illan Meslier into the far corner.
