Newcastle manager Eddie Howe was questioned about the possibility of qualifying for next season’s Champions League after his team’s convincing four-goal victory over Aston Villa on Saturday. The Magpies went on a rampage to put their opponents to the sword to extend their two-month unbeaten run and climb into the top four of the Premier League ahead of Chelsea, who were thrashed by Brighton at the Amex Stadium.
Callum Wilson put Newcastle ahead moments before half-time whistle before doubling his tally from the penalty spot shortly after the restart. Joelinton went on to make the third for the Magpies just minutes later, while Miguel Almiron sprang into action with 20 minutes remaining to cap off a stellar afternoon for the Tyneside side in front of their own fans.
The result saw Newcastle move three points ahead of fifth-placed Chelsea to cement their position in the Premier League’s top four, although Howe was quick to play down their hopes of sealing Champions League qualification when he he asked about it after the final whistle.
“Outrageous question… we’re happy where we are,” the Newcastle manager joked in his post-match press conference. I’ll let you write the headlines.
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Howe also praised his Newcastle players and singled out Wilson after his two-goal contribution in front of England manager Gareth Southgate, who was watching from the stands. The 30-year-old is desperately hoping to earn a spot on the plane to the World Cup in the coming weeks and did not hurt his selection chances at all with his commanding performance at the top of the field.
“The guys really competed well,” he said. sky sports. “It was a small first half, with a lot of stops and starts. Fortunately, in the second half we were outstanding.
“That’s on par with one of the best performances of the season. I’m very happy for Callum. Penalties are never easy, but he scored well. He was at the heart of a lot of our good football.”
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“It was an outstanding finish from Miguel. We hope the Aston Villa goalkeeper is fine, he didn’t help the game. Fortunately in the second half we were able to express ourselves better. Tonight I hope all the fans have fun, we are already looking forward to the week.” coming”.
Whether Newcastle will be able to maintain their positive momentum between now and the end of the season remains to be seen as they look to upset the Premier League’s heavy hitters for an unlikely top four finish. They will look to claim a further three points in their next outing against Southampton next weekend, while a tough game against Chelsea awaits them six days later.
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