Features
2021/22 season review - October
On Thursday, 7th October 2021, an exciting new era began for Newcastle United as an investment group led by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and also comprising PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media, acquired the football club.
While the Magpies were still awaiting a maiden win in their 2021/22 campaign, hope was restored amongst Newcastle supporters following a new ownership group, with Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi meeting staff at St. James' Park hours after the takeover to outline their plans for the club.
After more than two years in charge, Steve Bruce would leave his position as head coach by mutual consent, with Graeme Jones leading the team on an interim basis whilst talisman striker Callum Wilson returned to the side following injury.
Saturday, 2nd October
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 Newcastle United 1
Newcastle dropped into 19th place as Hwang Hee-chan's brace sealed a 2-1 win for Wolves on a miserable afternoon at Molineux.
The Magpies fell behind in the first-half through the South Korean international's shot from a tight angle before the visitors equalised through Jeff Hendrick's strike from the edge of the box.
After Wolves goalkeeper José Sá denied Allan Saint-Maximin from point-blank range, Hwang's clinical finish restored the lead for Bruno Lage's side as United supporters began to fear relegation to the Championship could become a stark reality.
Sunday, 17th October
Newcastle United 2 Tottenham Hotspur 3
Newcastle United's first game under new ownership got off to a dream start but ended in losing fashion following three first-half goals from Spurs.
With club chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan introduced to a sold out St. James' Park crowd before kick-off, Wilson's header inside two minutes gave the hosts an early lead.
However, the jubilant mood decreased as strikes from Tanguy Ndombele, Harry Kane and Son Heung-min gave the hosts a mountain to climb, with Newcastle supporter Alan Smith suffering a cardiac arrest in the East Stand, halting play for nearly half an hour.
Substitute Jonjo Shelvey was dismissed in the closing stages for two bookable offences and, despite Eric Dier's own goal, Steve Bruce marked his 1,000th competitive managerial game with a loss, a match which also proved to be his last as Newcastle's head coach.
Saturday, 23rd October
Crystal Palace 1 Newcastle United 1
Callum Wilson's excellent overhead kick, the striker's fourth goal in five Premier League matches, earned Newcastle a point in their trip to the capital.
Following Bruce's departure three days prior, Graeme Jones' men trailed 11 minutes into the second-half through Christian Benteke's header before Wilson drew United level in sensational fashion, directing his acrobatic effort into the left-hand corner.
The Eagles thought they had secured maximum points through Benteke but the Belgian's strike was ruled out after a VAR review following Marc Guehi's foul in the build-up, handing Newcastle a valuable point on the road.
Saturday, 30th October
Newcastle United 0 Chelsea 3
Despite holding the European champions at bay for over an hour, Newcastle conceded three times against the Premier League leaders.
Dominating in possession by the Blues, Newcastle trailed through Reece James' emphatic strike before the right-back struck again 12 minutes later, converting a rebound after Ruben Loftus-Cheek's effort was saved.
Jorginho netted a penalty in the final stages after Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow brought down Kai Havertz inside the penalty area, with the Magpies remaining in the relegation zone.
