Newcastle United finished the year with a 0-0 draw against Leeds United but there were still plenty of positives as 2022 finished in soaking wet conditions.
On a day in which Dan Burn, Sean Longstaff, Chris Wood and Joelinton all had chances to win it, this game felt like the law of averages ensured a stalemate and after 32 Premier League goals so far, the luck dried up a bit in front of goal. Yet nobody should be too disappointed as United go into 2023 challenging for a Champions League spot and still in both cups.
As Eddie Howe thanked supporters in the rain for one final time in 2022 there is plenty to look forward to next year. Here's your latest batch of notes.
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Eddie Howe may be forced into another January rethink
The Magpies have now lost Matt Targett for a long lay off after he suffered with a heel injury. This setback comes after Jonjo Shelvey was injured for two months leaving two gaps in Howe's squad.
Howe does have Jamal Lewis available at left-back to cover for Dan Burn while Elliot Anderson can deputise in midfield. But a couple more knocks or injuries and the squad may start to look thin.
The big sign that Newcastle are making progress - even after loss of two points
Eddie Howe still went for the jugular against Leeds despite the visitors causing problems at St James' Park as the game wore on. He glanced at the big screen just after the hour mark and threw on two more attackers in Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin.
Both caused some issues for Leeds but what was most impressive was that Newcastle players didn't fold defensively. Despite committing plenty of bodies forward both Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schar were seen tapping their heads and ordering players to focus at the back.
It's days like these when a perceived loss of points can later be looked at as one point gained when the points are tallied up.
Did retro sponsor display offer hint for the future?
Newcastle's excellent new CEO Darren Eales has already tipped his hat at the Magpies' old sponsors Newcastle Brown Ale during his round of interviews with the media. And like most Newcastle fans Eales is impressed by the old kit and the heritage it has.
Then you have another impressive off the field signing at St James' Park in Peter Silverstone who came in as CCO this year. The former Arsenal supremo has superb links with Adidas and thrashed out a kit deal with the Gunners that has their supporters in Dreamland with some excellent kits and gear.
As the teams walked out against Leeds the East Stand seemed to be a nod to the old kits including the circular Blue Star badge. This was another brilliant display by Wor Flags on a day in which the weather didn't do anybody any favours. If Eales or Silverstone succeed in bringing either sponsor back to the table, it will be another huge win for supporters.
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