You merely need to look at Newcastle United’s extensive feasibility study to see this. The hierarchy has long preferred to extend St James’ Park if it is feasible, and those at the top have looked to world-renowned architects to see what is possible on the difficult site. In truth, there is no place quite like it, as Eddie Howe knows all too well, having ‘had a connection’ with a stadium that is ‘never out of your thoughts’.
“Just incredible, loyal, loud support, and it’s made this place really difficult to play,” Newcastle manager stated after his team’s 1-1 draw with Brighton on Saturday. “Especially this season, the crowd have taken it to another level.”
Even opposing number Roberto De Zerbi, who suffered a terrible 4-1 defeat on his first visit to Tyneside last season, referred to St James’ as the best arena in the Premier League again on Saturday. “This stadium is incredible,” the Brighton manager said.
What is it about? Anthony Gordon is well positioned to speak, having been personally involved in more home goals (16) than any other Newcastle player in the Premier League this season. “I’ve never been to a stadium where I felt so happy,” the forward told NUFC TV. “Every time I come up to the stadium, or even simply drive by, it makes me happy. “I absolutely love this place.”
It is not an exaggeration to argue that Gordon could have been speaking on behalf of any of his teammates, and the statistics do not lie when it comes to Newcastle’s better performances at St James’. Newcastle has scored more goals at home than any other Premier League team (49) this season. Only title contenders Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal have more points than Newcastle (40), lost fewer games (three), and conceded less goals than Eddie Howe’s squad (22) on home soil. The results at St James’ account for 70% of Newcastle’s points total.
Newcastle have scored at least one goal in all of their Premier League encounters this season for the first time in history, and the previous time the black and whites done it in the top division was in 1959. Newcastle have not won so many Premier League home games (12) since Sir Bobby Robson was in charge.
