Newcastle are well in the chance to book their place in the next year’s Champions League campaign. The last time the Magpies were in the elite European league was back in 2002/03—it’s been a long time coming. Breaking into the top four in the Premier League is a huge step, especially when compared to the devastating way they started last season; people were claiming that they were going down and with good reason as well. Eddie Howe came in after the club changed hands and turned the club on its head, with the ingredients to success being positive football, hard work and determination.
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BIG HOPES
Being in contention for Champions League football for a club that has been struggling to maintain it’s Premier League status is mind-boggling. Being in contention is one thing, but getting over the line is another, especially after their last defeat against Arsenal. Currently, they are three points above Liverpool, who are, in fifth place, having played one less game than the Reds.
The football being played has been magnificent to watch. Murphy, Wilson and Isak have connected well, and their interchanging play has been sublime. The performance against Tottenham Hotspurs was a great example for when everything just click between these front three. Considering the wealth that the new owners possess, they are yet to splash the cash, yet they are already seeing great improvements and could potentially see a substantial return. Playing Champions League football is a very lucrative prospect for the club, earning valuable money that can be in turn recycled back into the team.
WHAT LIES AHEAD
This is the scenario in the Premier League in terms of remaining games:
The remaining fixtures for Newcastle: Leeds (A), Brighton (H), Leicester City (H) and Chelsea (A)
The remaining fixtures for Liverpool: Leicester City (A), Aston Villa (H) and Southampton (A)
The remaining fixtures for Manchester United: Wolves (H), Bournemouth (A), Chelsea (H) and Fulham (H)
The vast resources of the traditional top six sides have meant the gap has felt chasmic at time over recent years – while there is also a psychological challenge. What are the best tools to motivate players? Is it possible not to get ahead of yourself? Will players feel that their position are under threat if they secure UCL football?
In the past, teams like Spurs, Aston Villa and Everton all threaded the needle for a chance to play Champions League football; some comments from O’Neill remain logical. With Champions League football, it’s different when compared to winning the title; players might feel themselves going towards obscurity, as success for the club might mean better players coming through the door. A position that Newcastle are firmly looking to bolster is the left-back position, despite Dan Burn holding his own for the great majority of the games.
Recruitment needs to be done with a purpose and not just buying because there is money to be spent. A logical plan has to be mapped out with alternatives lined up should the primary target falls away. Should the players brought in buy into what Eddie Howe wants and needs, than success will reign at St James’ Park.