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30 Greatest Teams in Premier League History

By Benjamin Taylor

Who will lift this trophy in May and join these 30 teams among the greatest ever to compete in the English Premier League? (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Who will lift this trophy in May and join these 30 teams among the greatest ever to compete in the English Premier League? (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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15. Newcastle, 1995-96

29 Oct 1995: Les Ferdinand and David Ginola of Newcastle United celebrate Ginola’s goal during an FA Carling Premiership match against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane in London. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. \ Mandatory Credit: Ben Radford/Allsport
29 Oct 1995: Les Ferdinand and David Ginola of Newcastle United celebrate Ginola’s goal during an FA Carling Premiership match against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane in London. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. \ Mandatory Credit: Ben Radford/Allsport /

Starting XI: Shaka Hislop (GK); W. Barton, D. Peacock, S. Howey, J. Beresford; K. Gillespie, R. Lee, L. Clark, D. Ginola; P. Beardsley, L. Ferdinand.

This was the best Newcastle team of the Premier League era, and yet their fans mostly look back on the 1995-96 season with a feeling of frustration and disappointment.

Manager Kevin Keegan had clawed the club back from the brink of the old Third Division in the early-’90s, and had turned them into one of the country’s finest teams. With some cash in the coffers as a result of the sale of Andy Cole to Manchester United in January 1995, Keegan spent considerably in the summer. Les Ferdinand was brought in to replace Cole, and midfielder David Ginola signed to add the quality that would make Newcastle title contenders. More signings followed in February, in the form of Faustino Asprilla and David Batty. Keegan’s formidable squad flew out of the traps early on, racing to a 10-point lead by Christmas.

However, a combination of mind games from Sir Alex Ferguson and poor form in the final stages of the season allowed Man. United to catch up, and eventually pip the Magpies to the post by four points. Nevertheless, that front three of Ginola, Beardsley and Ferdinand was as explosive as we’ve seen in the Premier League.

Next: No. 14

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