After going 14 games without a win, many Newcastle supporters were fearing the worst with the Magpies seemingly only heading one way, down. However, their remarkable 2022 saw Newcastle survive in the league with relative ease.
But cast your minds back to August and the landscape at St James’s Park could hardly have been more different.
Before their opening day game with West Ham, Newcastle had only added Joe Willock to their squad and were facing another season of struggle under Steve Bruce and Mike Ashley.
But what just was being predicted for Newcastle before a ball was kicked this season - and how does their 11th place finish compare to these predictions?
Here, we take a look at how each Premier League side finished in comparison to how the supercomputer, provided by FiveThirtyEight, forecast they fare this season:
17. Brentford
Brentford never looked in danger of dropping back into the Championship this season and defied the supercomputer’s pre-season prediction that they would struggle this season. Pre-season prediction = 17th place, 38 points (-22 GD), 36% chance of relegation. Final standing = 13th place, 46 points (-8 GD). Difference = +4 places. Photo: Alex Davidson
18. Crystal Palace
Under Patrick Vieira, Palace have defied expectations and had a very solid season in the league and in the FA Cup where they reached the semi-final stage - a far-cry from the supercomputer’s prediction they would be making a return to the Championship. Pre-season prediction = 18th place, 38 points (-23 GD), 36% chance of relegation. Final standing = 12th place, 48 points (+4 GD). Difference = +6 places. Photo: Alex Broadway
19. Norwich City
The Canaries were tipped to be relegated this season but the manner in which they made their return to the Championship will worry Norwich supporters. Pre-season prediction = 19th place, 37 points (-25 GD), 40% chance of relegation. Final standing = 20th place, 22 points (-61 GD). Difference = -1 place. Photo: Pete Norton
20. Watford
The Hornets joined Norwich in making their return to the second-tier after just one season in the Premier League. Pre-season prediction = 20th place, 36 points (-26 GD), 42% chance of relegation. Final standing = 19th place, 23 points (-43 GD). Difference = +1 place. Photo: Luke Walker