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Newcastle United made Premier League history without playing on Wednesday as their top-flight status was secured.
Leeds United’s 3-0 defeat at home to Chelsea meant Newcastle can no longer be relegated this season.
The Magpies are a healthy nine points clear of the drop zone, but they were not always so comfortable and have had to achieve a Premier League first to stay up.
Newcastle, who were bought by a consortium backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in October, did not win a match until December.
Under three different coaches in Steve Bruce, interim appointment Graeme Jones and current boss Eddie Howe, Newcastle became the fourth team to go winless through their first 14 matches of a Premier League season.
Each of the previous three – Swindon Town in 1993-94, QPR in 2012-13 and Sheffield United in 2020-21 – were relegated, but the Tyneside club have survived.
Newcastle co-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi took to his Twitter page to celebrate the achievement after Leeds’ defeat.
“When all odds were against us, when everyone doubted us, we united and forged ahead,” he wrote. “Tonight is the result of that hard work.
“Thank you Eddie, you have been incredible, thank you to the coaching staff, our squad and everyone at the club, and of course our fans.”
Brentford, promoted last season, and Aston Villa are also now sure of Premier League football next season.
