From Top Class to Literally Clueless

Newcastle United have had a horrific season to say the least as the magpies once more find themselves in a relegation battle. The astonishing fact is that Alan Pardew’s men finished 5th in the league last season and now they have gone from being top class to literally clueless this season.
Not to forget, Newcastle only returned to the top flight of English football two years back as they were relegated from the premier league in 2008-2009 season. Chris Hughton helped the magpies get back into PL immediately and then Alan Pardew turned them into one of the most entertaining sides.
The manager who was praised for his efforts last season to an extent that he was rewarded with an 8 year contract with the club now finds himself in a complex situation. The fans are asking for his sacking for being clueless to what is happening on the field of play.
When Pardew took over, Newcastle normally played direct football mainly because of the presence of Andy Carroll and the notorious Joey Barton who linked up well with the Big Geordie. Carroll soon turned into a star in the league as he scored for fun but his departure from tyneside brought major changes that completely changed Newcastle’s style of play.
35 million was a mammoth sum and the magpies signed numerous stars such as the likes of Cisse, Santon, Cabaye and Demba Ba (free). Suddenly Newcastle United started playing attractive and effective football as their stars defeated top teams like Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool etc.
Such was the quality that Newcastle were close to qualifying for the Champions League last season but now they find themselves close to the championship again with terrible performances week in week out. The 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool defined their season in the best possible way, i.e. clueless.
Demba Ba was firing in the first half of the season still Newcastle were in 15th place half way through the league campaign. The Senegalese left for Chelsea in January, without his goals, Newcastle perhaps had no chance of survival.
The players have switched off as well, Cisse who scored 13 goals in 14 league games last season has only scored 8 in 34 appearances this season. The signings of Debuchy, Mbiwa and Sissoko have not helped them either and the major chunk of blame should only go to one man, Alan Pardew.
Newcastle United’s journey has been quite baffling to say the least, from relegation to European qualification and now moving back towards relegation after having dominated top teams last season.
Currently Newcastle find themselves in 16th place, only 3 points behind the final relegation spot occupied by Wigan who actually have a game in hand and a better goal difference as well. The fans are fearing the worst as another late comeback from Martinez’s men may as well drown Newcastle.
With only Queens Park Rangers and Arsenal left to play, can Newcastle somehow survive relegation?
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