The 2010–11 season marked the return of Newcastle United to the Premier League following a season in the Championship. They finished in 12th place.

Newcastle's early season form was erratic on their return to English football's top tier, with thrashings of Aston Villa and local rivals Sunderland and exceptional away victories at Everton and Arsenal offset by home defeats against Blackpool, Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City.

After a win over Arsenal sent Newcastle to fifth in the league, the team went on a winless run that ended in the controversial sacking of manager Chris Hughton. The club swiftly appointed Alan Pardew, last of third-tier Southampton, although Newcastle fans were suspicious due to alleged links with the club's unpopular owners. Despite the club's form still being reasonable, the owner's unpopularity increased after the transfer deadline day sale of local hero Andy Carroll for £35 million to Liverpool. The club posted one of the league's most incredible results, drawing 4–4 draw with Arsenal at St James' Park after being 4–0 down at half-time.

During the summer of 2010, Chris Hughton completed the signings of defender James Perch from Nottingham Forest, young midfielder Dan Gosling from Everton after an administrative error at Goodison Park allowed the 20-year-old to move to Newcastle on a free transfer and experienced centre-half Sol Campbell from Arsenal also on a free in preparation for life back in the Premier League. Towards the end of the transfer window, Ivory Coast international and defensive midfielder Cheick Tioté was also signed by the club from Twente for a reported £3.5 million, while Hatem Ben Arfa was brought in on a season long loan from Marseille for a reported £2 million, with the view of a permanent move for a further £5 million should he make more than 25 appearances for the club. This season also saw the departure of captain Nicky Butt, who opted to retire from football, and Fabrice Pancrate due to his contract expiring and no new deal being agreed.

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