Newcastle United

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A lot of players may struggle with the hectic festive schedule, but Alexander Isak is not one of them.

The 25 year old ended the year in style, managing 10 goal involvements in six league matches. The Sweden striker now only sits behind Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland in the race for the Premier League Golden Boot.

It was an excellent month for the club as a whole - the Magpies entered December in the bottom half of the Premier League table, and have emerged in fifth place, just three points of the Champions League spots. A win over Brentford also saw them progress into the final four of the EFL Cup.

Saturday's match against struggling Tottenham offers the chance for Isak and the club to pick up 2025 where they left off in 2024.

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We asked what Newcastle's New Year resolutions should be.

Here are some of your replies:

Paul: Newcastle fans' resolution should be to calm down a bit. Particularly on social media. Each defeat is not the start of the apocalypse. Every win is not world domination. Let Eddie build a squad and the lads.

Richard: Consistency. If we bring our 'A' game to every match then we win the vast majority. Had we won the games we should have so far this season, I place us in second. A "comfy" second place! If we're consistent in 2025 then we win a cup and get into the Champions League.

Luke: Bring the same energy to "smaller" games as they do to big games.

Nat: Keep hold of our star players! A successful window for us will be keeping hold of Isak, Bruno, Sandro and Gordon. These are the players we need to build around. Don't pay over the odds in January for players we don't need. Get rid of some of the deadwood like Almiron, Targett, etc, to make room in the wage budget for some big gs in the summer once we've bagged European football again.

Tony: Keeping Isak! Unless we hear huge financial reasons that we have to sell him, we have got to keep this key player at all costs!

Neil: When we are winning at half-time, don't play too deep in the second half and invite pressure. We do this too often, especially at home. Continue to play the way we did in the first half as that got us in a winning position.

Les: Be ruthless - scoring, buying, selling, just get it done!

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We asked for your thoughts after Monday's Premier League game between Manchester United and Newcastle.

Here are some of your comments:

Man Utd fans:

Rowan: Complete shambles of a game for us, the players we have are simply not good enough to keep United as high up the table as we have been historically. It's time to accept we are a mid to low table team, at least for now. We must stick with Amorim, as painful as it is for now, but it's time for a major clear out and entire squad rebuild if we want any chance of competing for trophies again.

Andy: Absolute shocker. Amorim was not the right choice, he's out of his depth. Can't see them winning either of the next two games. Relegation is a real possibility, if that happens it will be a long road back.

Ian: Dire, clueless and embarrassing. United can't defend, keep possession, or score and the keeper's rooted to his goal line most of the time. Ralf Rangnick's comment about needing major heart surgery was over two years and two managers ago and we've not seen much change since. Championship football next season is becoming more likely by the week.

Dave: Where do you start with this United team? Lack of fight, lack of effort, lack of confidence, lack of quality. Casemiro was awful, Zirkzee made zero effort - that can't be acceptable at any club. Eriksen was a decent midfielder seven or eight years ago - he's never had an engine and we don't have the legs around him to allow him to be a playmaker. We desperately need some width on the left and some legs in midfield. I really want this new manager to work out (I also wanted ten Hag to work out) but he's got to find some answers sharpish.

Newcastle fans:

Phil: Another brilliant performance tonight from the Toon, even though Man Utd were woeful. Tactical genius yet again from Eddie as he tweaks the roles of Bruno and Tonali. The midfield is now working really well. Isak proving he is the best striker in the league. Well done Toon!

Garrett: Another comfortable win for Newcastle. Bruno absolutely outstanding, Isak unplayable at times, and Hall is slowly becoming the best left-back in the league. After a slow start, four wins on the bounce puts us in an incredible position at the end of 2024.

Kirk: Another strong and confident performance from Newcastle - solid at the back and scoring goals again. We've hit a purple patch of form and out ourselves in contention for European football again. Unbelievable to think we've scored more goals in December alone then we did combined for the months August to November. Howay the Lads.

Ricky: Newcastle United are indeed united. They have weathered a rough patch of defending during early season to come out of it looking tight. Yes, they get the odd error here and there, but who doesn't.

How come the vast improvement? Tonali, the Italian has been awesome since Eddie Howe moved him into the holding midfield role. He spots danger early then eradicates it with ease. Once on the ball he moves confidently with it to deliver an amazing array of accurate ing often followed by being in the right place to receive again in the danger areas.

Don't get me wrong, this is by no means a one man team, it's just that with the confidence oozing from Tonali, his colleagues feed on it, and respond accordingly. This makes Newcastle much more difficult to break down then they respond with freedom and pace moving forward.

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Newcastle United recorded their fourth Premier League victory in a row against Manchester United and former Leicester City midfielder Marc Albrighton believes that their up-turn in form "coincides" with individual squad players showing their "class" on the pitch.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast, Albrighton said: "They have got a lot of really good individuals and their form really coincides with the form of those individuals.

"Anthony Gordon, especially in the first-half, gave [Noussair] Mazraoui a torrid time down that left-hand side. He was causing all sorts of problems. Mazraoui didn't know whether to get close to him or whether to back off a little bit.

"On the other side, Jacob Murphy was superb. Over the course of the last month or so, maybe even longer, his form has improved and he is a real threat.

"There is the form of Alexander Isak up front as well. He is not only having such a big impact in games but he is also getting the goals as well. His first thought is to turn and sprint into the box to get in a goal-scoring position.

"Then you back that up with Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton as well, who ran the show against Manchester United. The circumstances, with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen up against them, made life a lot easier for them but you still have to perform and they did that.

"So I think all the class of these individual players is showing through and they are bringing it together as a team."

Listen to the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds

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This was only Newcastle United's third away league win in their last 57 visits to Manchester United (D17 L37), following wins in 1971-72 and 2013-14.

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is prepared to stay at the club if they finish in the top four of the Premier League this season, dealing a blow to Arsenal who are interested in g the 25-year-old. (Sun), external

The Magpies are lining up a £20m move for Burnley's 22-year-old English goalkeeper James Trafford. (Sun), external

Newcastle are in a strong position to clinch the g of 27-year-old England defender Fikayo Tomori from AC Milan in January. (Caught Offside), external

Want more transfer news? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe speaking to BBC: "We know this has been an unkind fixture to us for a long, long time. To almost break new ground here and win in the manner that we did is really pleasing.

"Early in the season we were on the other end of it by conceding early goals and it makes such a difference [reversing it]. We gave ourselves mountains to climb at times, particularly on the road, and it is great to reverse it the last few games. Those goals have helped with momentum and confidence and from that point we have never looked back.

"[Alexander Isak] has been really, really good. His all round game is really strong. He can do a bit of everything. Most importantly he needs to be in the right place at the right time to score goals. Early in the match it was a great cross from Lewis Hall and Alex was there with the header.

"Really pleased for Martin [Dubravka] and the back line, the whole team really, for the clean sheet. Historically we have prided ourselves on being strong defensively and it is great to see us returning to that.

"Confidence is the ultimate thing that makes the difference. The players are playing in their best positions and look happy and comfortable and our injury record has also improved from last year."

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Newcastle midfielder Joelinton speaking to Sky Sports: "There is still a long way to go but the team is improving.

"A good performance away from home today, three points, two goals, clean sheet. Great mentality from the boys from start to finish to defend our goal and score two to win the game.

"We knew we were not playing in the way we wanted to play before, the intensity, the quality, scoring goals, but we just kept working hard every day on the training pitch with positivity. Then when you start to win and score goals the confidence comes back

"Belief is high. We started really well and scored the two goals, we could have scored more but didn't and then we lost a bit of control. At the end the most important is the three points and job done.

"[Alexander Isak] is amazing. It is so good to have him and to play alongside him because he is one of the best strikers in the world right now and I hope he continues scoring goals and playing amazing because it is good for us.

"I knew it was a goal, I headed the ball. Thank you God it was given. Very happy to score one more goal and help the team to win.

"Time will tell how good we are but we are enjoying football right now. We have to be humble and keep our feet on the ground because there is a long way to go."

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Manchester United's performance

What did you make of Newcastle's display?

Come back to this page on Tuesday to find a selection of your replies

There are three games in the Premier League on Monday, and we will bring you every moment.

• Ipswich v Chelsea (19:45) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Aston Villa v Brighton (19:45)

• Man Utd v Newcastle (20:00)

Kick-off times are GMT

Follow all the action and reaction

Christmas is boxed off.

We're almost through the confusing days before New Year and January is within touching distance.

And we need your help - what is Newcastle's New Year's resolution?

It could be a new player to sign, a tactical system to implement, an off-the-pitch matter or something else entirely.

Let us know

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.

This week, he takes on musician Emma-Jean Thackray, who is a Leeds fan.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

I said before Christmas that I thought Newcastle would hit their stride and they have done exactly that. The way they are playing, they should win at Old Trafford and make it four league wins in a row.

Manchester United's form is the exact opposite. I am not concerned about Ruben Amorim getting the sack but it really does not help when your goalkeeper keeps on conceding goals direct from a corner - that is under-12s stuff.

I it happening when I was watching my son play when he was about 15 and he got done off a corner. I told him you would never see it happen to a professional goalkeeper, but it has happened twice in two weeks. You could not make it up.

I need to apologise here though, because I was far too kind to Manchester United last week when I said they would get a draw at Wolves.

Their fans give me so much stick on social media whenever I say they will lose that it must have got to me a bit - I have become a bit of a chicken and have put them down to get a draw when my gut feeling has been for them to lose.

That has got to stop, because they are rubbish. That is not on Amorim because we will judge him when he has a chance to bring in his own players but, for now, we have to see them for what they are, which is a really poor side.

Emma-Jean's prediction: 1-2

As a Leeds fan it is literally in my DNA to hate Manchester United and I cannot predict anything good for them.

Read the full predictions and have your say

Newcastle United are interested in £25m Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov, but they face competition for the 20-year-old Uzbekistan international from Premier League rivals Manchester City, Tottenham, Leicester City and Wolves. (Chronicle), external

Want more transfer news? Read Monday's full gossip column

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Newcastle United have won their past four games in all competitions, scoring 14 goals in the process, with seven different players finding the net.

"When we play at our best, we do share the goals around," said manager Eddie Howe. "I don't think there's ever been one consistent source and we don't want there to be because then it's easier to stop.

"It's about the team functioning and enabling everyone to be creative and productive. We're seeing different players contribute in different games and that pleases me.

"Of course Alex [Isak] - being our number nine - will want to score. But I want goals from a huge range of different players. We're seeing that and that's great for us."

Newcastle's next game is against struggling Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday and Howe said of that match: "It's a fixture that we should try to attack, give our best, try to keep the rhythm and momentum we've got and show the best version of ourselves.

"I think we have to be ourselves in this game and this is their attitude wherever we go. We have to know which Newcastle is going to turn up. We've seen that in recent weeks and it's been a real positive for us."

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We asked for your thoughts after Thursday's Premier League game between Newcastle and Aston Villa.

Here are some of your comments:

Newcastle fans

Richard: The annoying thing is that the sending off will dominate the headlines but the overall performance from Newcastle was excellent. Sandro Tonali is worth the ticket price on his own. Our very own Andrea Pirlo! A joy to watch him conduct the orchestra. It's no coincidence that our current good form coincides with Tonali's form.

Jona: Brilliant from start to finish. Big Joe man of the match - he is so key to our pressing game. Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes were good again and our midfield three is really clicking!

Katie: Normal service is resumed! The scoreline understates Newcastle's dominance - another perfect showing from Tonali and great efforts from Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and all the team. But, I'm still looking for reinforcements in January, especially in defence.

Russell: Another fantastic performance from the lads. Yes, the red card made a difference, especially as they were working their way back into the game. However, it's clear the spirit is back in this side and we are looking hard to beat. Roll on United and the Carabao Cup semi-final.

Villa fans

Keith: There's no shame in losing to Newcastle at St James' Park, but seriously, Jhon Duran - what on earth was going through his head?! It's also clear our squad, while stronger than last year, isn't strong enough yet to effectively challenge on all fronts. We need two elite players - an elite right-back and central attacking player to rotate with Morgan Rogers.

Ian: Poor. You'd think after a great win against Manchester City, we'd step up the levels. Conceding so early on set the tone and the sending off sealed it for Newcastle.

Jimash: Sending off changed the game. Not sure when travelling at speed and your left foot slips where you are supposed to put your right foot.

Sam: Such a shame after the City win. Duran is giving me massive Mario Balotelli vibes - moments of excellence v moments of immaturity. That's never going to give us the consistent performances we need to push for Europe, rather than getting pulled into mid-table vortex.

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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was happy with his side's "maturity" after their comprehensive 3-0 win over Aston Villa on Boxing Day.

The Magpies rarely looked threatened, especially after Jhon Duran's first-half red card, and turned up their domination to find two goals after the break.

"Really pleased," Howe told BBC Radio Newcastle. "Very difficult game, Aston Villa are a really difficult team. I have a great respect for Unai Emery and the way they play.

"We scored early in the game, Anthony's goal was a brilliant team move and individual piece of skill from him. Of course the red card helped us but I was really pleased with the maturity we showed, especially in the second half."

The Magpies' recent good form has coincided with improved performances from Sandro Tonali who has looked comfortable deeper in midfield.

"Sandro was very good," Howe added. "Bruno [Guimaraes] was very good. Joelinton was very good, capped off with his goal. I was very happy with the midfield. All through the side, the parts of the team are functioning really well at the moment. I think we are in a good place so now we have to keep that going."

Listen to the full chat and more Newcastle reaction on BBC Sounds

Highlights and analysis from Boxing Day's eight Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Monaco's 22-year-old French winger Maghnes Akliouche is one of Newcastle United's targets, but Atletico Madrid, Paris St-Germain, Inter Milan and Manchester City are among the clubs also interested. (Caughtoffside), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Michael Emons
BBC Sport journalist

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Alexander Isak's 11th Premier League goal of the season and his seventh in six games helped Newcastle to a dominant victory against Aston Villa - to leave the Magpies fans dreaming of a return to European football.

A Champions League campaign last season was followed by an absence of continental football in 2024-25, but Eddie Howe's side continued their fine resurgence to move fifth in the league.

Since losing 4-2 at Brentford on 7 December, Newcastle have scored 14 goals in four games, with a pair of 4-0 wins over Leicester and Ipswich in the league to add to this Boxing Day success, plus a 3-1 win over Brentford to move into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.

It is not only Isak that is contributing.

Anthony Gordon started things off with a fine curling strike to put Newcastle one up after only 80 seconds, before Villa striker Jhon Duran left his side with an uphill task following a straight red card for scraping his studs along Fabian Schar's back after 32 minutes.

Isak followed up his hat-trick in Saturday's thrashing of Ipswich by adding a second, with Jacob Murphy continuing his excellent form with the assist, before Joelinton added a third in injury-time.

That is four wins in a row for a revitalised Newcastle. A European return is getting closer.