A big January transfer window and a five-game unbeaten run has completely changed Newcastle United’s fortunes around in the past month and has provided a light at the end of the tunnel.
The Magpies were in a dire position heading into January, but after bringing in five new players and spending £90 million in the transfer window there were reasons to be optimistic.
In addition, their five-game unbeaten run has heightened expectations, in which the Magpies have drawn two and won their last three games to pull four points clear of the relegation zone.
But despite these recent string of events, Newcastle legend and Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer has brought fans right back down to earth with a reality check.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Shearer praised the Magpies for their recent spending and good results but has insisted that they still need ‘a lot more’ if they are to achieve survival this season.
Do you agree with Shearer’s comments on Newcastle’s survival bid? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
The 51-year-old said: "Newcastle are in a very fortunate position in terms of what they've got financially now, and the players that they signed, but they need more in.
"The evidence is there for all to see. There's every chance we will be relegated but that's where they are.
"I think it's looking increasingly likely that it'll be three from four in the relegation battle - Newcastle, Watford, Burnley and Norwich. I know Everton are getting sucked into it but it's increasingly looking likely that it'll be three from four.
"Newcastle's spend at the minute is great because we haven't seen that for such a long time but the harsh reality is they need a lot more, let's see."
Newcastle currently sit four points ahead of Norwich, six ahead of Watford and seven ahead of Burnley.
However, Burnley have two games in hand on them, while they have played the same amount as Watford and one more than Norwich.
The Magpies still have to play Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal before the season’s end, too.
Yet their recent good form cannot be ignored and should they build some momentum from this, Eddie Howe’s side can certainly pull away from danger and secure their top flight status over the next few months.
But as Shearer said, there is still work to be done and perhaps they do need a bit more in order to guarantee their safety.
And that hasn’t been helped by the recent injury to January signing and Sunday’s match-winner against Aston Villa, Kieran Trippier, who is set to undergo surgery.
The England international has scored two free-kicks in the past two games and has looked a class above since slotting into the Magpies' defence.
It is a perfect example of the harsh reality and how quickly things can change in football, and Howe and his players must remain level headed over the real chance of relegation this season, despite an upturn in recent results.
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