Things are looking pretty rosy at Newcastle right now.
Sixth in the table, albeit several teams around them have a game in hand, and only three points off the Champions League places after Wednesday night’s 1-0 win against Everton.
It was Miguel Almiron’s goal which downed the Toffees, with the Paraguayan currently in red-hot form – just months after he was mocked by Manchester City‘s Jack Grealish.
Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron is indicative of the progress the club has made under Eddie Howe
The Paraguayan winger scored the only goal as his side beat Everton 1-0 on Wednesday night
Almiron has four Premier League goals in October – as many as Grealish has scored in more than a year with the Premier League champions – and has been a key factor in the Magpies’ rise to the brink of the European slots.
But there are plenty of other aspects to their resurgence, with a league-leading defence, a new style of play and a family atmosphere fostered behind the scenes by manager Eddie Howe crucial to their success too.
Below, Sportsmail takes a look at one of the most in-form teams in England – and analyses just how they have done it.
But there are plenty of other aspects to their resurgence with Howe – below, Sportsmail takes a look at one of the most in-form teams in England and analyses just how they have done it
Almiron proving Grealish wrong
Grealish, during his drunken celebrations of City’s Premier League title in May, was filmed cruelly mocking Almiron.
In a video clip on social media, when asked by team-mate Bernardo Silva for the secret behind their title win, the £100million man said: ‘There were two secrets. One, Riyad [Mahrez], take him off the pitch, as soon as possible. He played like Almiron.
Manchester City’s £100million winger Jack Grealish (right) mocked Almiron back in May
‘Number two, [pointing at Silva] he’s been so good this season, get him off the pitch.’ The Portuguese then came up with a third secret, adding: ‘Number three… keep Jack Grealish on the f***ing bench.’
Almiron is a fan favourite at St James’ Park due to his evident commitment, work rate and determination, but has often struggled for goals, with four (in 2019-20 and 2020-21) his previous highest totals across a whole season.
However, he has already surpassed that figure before November and could be on for 10-15 goals at this rate, which would represent an excellent return as he steps up his output in the absence of key winger Allan…