While a relegation battle was not something Magpies fans had in mind, predictions were made on how the top-flight would finish in May, prior to the beginning of the campaign.
And here, we take a look at where Bruce’s men were tipped to finish in the table by FiveThirtyEight at the start date in September 2020 – compared to the 12th position they actually ended up in.
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17. Newcastle United - up five positions (12th)
Five wins in their remaining eight matches allowed Newcastle to surge away from relegation trouble and seal a respectable, albeit underwhelming, 12th place finish. Photo: DAVID KLEIN
18. Fulham - same position (18th)
No change for Fulham. Scott Parker’s side were tipped to be relegated before the campaign even got underway. Photo: Pool
19. Leeds United - up 10 positions (9th)
Well… it’s fair to say FiveThirtyEight got this horribly wrong as Leeds claimed a top half finish in their first Premier League season in 16 years. Photo: Stu Forster
20. West Bromwich Albion - up one position (19th)
West Brom finished second bottom instead of rock bottom. No consolation as both end in the same outcome - relegation to the Championship. Photo: GEOFF CADDICK