The Magpies are yet to lose a match, are unbeaten in seven games and boast the best defensive record in the division since the turn of the year.
It’s a stark contrast to how Eddie Howe’s side ended 2021 – they were in the relegation zone and had just yet a Premier League record for the most goals conceded over a calendar year with 80.
But now we’re into March, Newcastle have conceded just three goals this year and have climbed up to 14th in the table.
They have made big strides towards Premier League survival but the hard work must continue as they sit just four points above the relegation zone ahead of Saturday’s match at home to Brighton.
But what if the season had started on January 1, 2022?
Here are the Premier League standings based purely on matches to take place in 2022 so far…
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1. Liverpool - 19 points, +16 GD
Played 7, won 6, drawn 1, lost 0, goals for 20, goals against 4. Photo: Laurence Griffiths
2. Manchester City - 16 points, +8 GD
Played 7, won 5, drawn 1, lost 1, goals for 13, goals against 5. Photo: Richard Heathcote
3. Manchester United - 16 points, +6 GD
Played 9, won 4, drawn 4, lost 1, goals for 14, goals against 8. Photo: Alex Livesey
4. Wolves - 15 points, +4 GD
Played 8, won 5, drawn 0, lost 3, goals for 11, goals against 7. Photo: Naomi Baker