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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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29. Newcastle United, 2011-12

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 02: Alan Pardew the Newcastle manager celebrates with two goal hero Papiss Cisse of Newcastle after the final whistle during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on May 2, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 02: Alan Pardew the Newcastle manager celebrates with two goal hero Papiss Cisse of Newcastle after the final whistle during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on May 2, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images) /

Starting XI: T. Krul (GK); D. Simpson, F. Coloccini, M. Williamson, R. Taylor; H. Ben Arfa, Y. Cabaye, C. Tiote, J. Gutierrez; D. Ba, P. Cissé.

Alan Pardew’s time in the Northeast is looked back upon awkwardly now, but in 2012 he appeared almost untouchable.

Despite having to trot out an inexperienced and desperately uninspiring back four that went on to concede more than fifty goals in the Premier League alone, the attacking talents of Hatem Ben Arfa and Demba Ba (as well as Papiss Cissé after his arrival in January) helped propel the Magpies to a 5th place finish and a Europa League spot. Their success owed much to new signing Yohan Cabaye, whose creativity provided a perfect foil for the bruising Cheick Tiote alongside him. Highlights of the season included a thrilling 3-0 win over Manchester United, and a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge that all but ended Chelsea’s top four challenge and ensured Pardew’s side ended the season a place above the eventual European champions.

The following season, Newcastle finished 16th – narrowly avoiding relegation – and the pressure on Pardew only increased from there. He was sacked in January 2015, and St. James’ Park hasn’t seen much quality football since.

Next: No. 28

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