Newcastle United sit proudly top of the form table and in the top five for the Premier League's annual standings for 2022.
Eddie Howe's team have won 21 matches, drawn eight and lost just six games since the turn of the year. But Howe wants his team to get even better in 2023.
United could even edge into the top four in the calendar year if they win against Leeds at St James' Park. Reflecting on the year that was, Howe said: "To this point, as I sit here today, I'm very proud of the group and everyone connected with the club and what they've given - 100 per cent effort. I've seen a real collective force. I've seen people putting the team ahead of their own self-interest.
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"I don't think you have the success we've had in this calendar year without that, so the challenge is to maintain that and improve that. "That's what we'll be looking to do into the New Year."
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