To say that the most surprising Premier League team this year is definitely the emerging "billionaires" Newcastle United. In front of the winter window, Xiaobian himself is not optimistic that the "Magpies" can stay in the Premier League in the coming season; but this northeast team has won a wave of nine unbeaten in the Premier League, and it is almost certain to "go ashore" now.
Newcastle United's signings this winter have been targeted acquisitions, starting with three defenders, Dan Burn from Brighton, Aston Villa's left-back Matt Targett and England international-level Kieran Trippier, all of whom are formidable defenders. Dan Barn doesn't have to start at the Seagulls, and his transfer fee is well above his estimate of £12 million (Dan Barn's estimate is only £2.5 million), but the stability he shows in the defensive line is difficult for a team to match in a centre-back. Dan Barn is a centre-back who has an upper limit of development, and he is unlikely to improve anymore; but he is a rare player in offensive and defensive battles; he can clean up properly whether he faces a high ball or the earth, and is a steady and low-key player.
Matt Taggart's performance at Villa is actually not bad at all, he will be abandoned only because Aston Villa has brought in the higher-level Lucas Digne; Matt Taggart has become a reliable big player on the left side of Newcastle United, with excellent performances on both offensive and defensive ends. Kieran Trippier, who had been on leave with injury, scored two priceless free throws before he was sidelined to help the Magpies score six points.
Originally, I thought that Chris Wood was just weakening the reinforcement of "relegation rival" Burnley, but it turned out not to be the case. Chris Wood's role as a fulcrum and bridgehead in the frontcourt is quite obvious, which is difficult for Callum Wilson to do. Callum Wilson wasn't bad, but he was far from well off after injury than he was at Bournemouth, and it was right to look for him for a top job.
Eddie Howe has also modified and adjusted many players in the squad, such as the previous team fringe Jolington, who was transformed into an eighth-position midfielder, and performed quite well. The Brazilian centre-forward is physically confrontational, powerful, and has superior propulsion; but the problem is that his shooting skills are poor and he does not have air superiority, which is a disadvantage in the center position. So Eddie Howe moved Jolington to midfield, playing to his strengths and giving Newcastle United a propeller that could lead the team from attack to attack.
After winning nine unbeaten matches, Eddie Howe also won the Premier League's best manager of February award, which is well deserved. Under his leadership, it is really exciting to see how the magpies will change and improve in the coming season.