Newcastle United playing at St James' Park is over for another season.

While Eddie Howe's side ended their campaign at St James' in the Premier League with a fairly underwhelming draw with Brighton, it's still been a pretty positive season on Tyneside.

Though Newcastle were unable to match the home form to have seen them beaten only twice last season, there hasn't been a huge drop-off this time around.

Indeed, only Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City have won more on their own patch all season than Howe's team.

During that time, Newcastle have beaten Chelsea, both Manchester clubs, Spurs, the Gunners, Aston Villa and Paris Saint-Germain.

At home, Howe's team are not to be messed with.

That was something Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi referenced after the game.

MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES

He added that Brighton's last trip there remained in his mind, with his team thumped 4-1 back in May 2023 as Newcastle took a huge step towards ensuring qualification for the Champions League.

"St James' Park is the best stadium in the Premier League," he said (via The Chronicle).

"Last season is still in my head because of the incredible atmosphere."

Newcastle's home form offers a reason to be positive Even during a turbulent season for the club, Howe has ensured Newcastle have remained strong at home.

Granted, this year has not proven quite as good as the last but they've only actually suffered one more loss at home (3 to 2).

To have done that all while dealing with freakishly difficult cup draws, raised expectations, an unrelenting injury crisis and Sandro Tonali's ban is fairly remarkable, all things considered.

With hopefully at least some of those problems cleared up by the time next season starts, there is little reason to think St James' won't be a fortress next time around too.