After a 20-year absence, Newcastle United is set to rejoin Europe’s elite in the Champions League following a scoreless draw at home against Leicester City. The result guaranteed a top-four finish in the Premier League on Monday. Although Newcastle dominated the game without finding the net, fans were pleased that their dream of Champions League football had come to fruition. This achievement was unthinkable two years ago, according to midfielder Sean Longstaff, who expressed his excitement at being part of the team that secured the spot.
Newcastle had 23 goal attempts compared to Leicester’s one and was denied by the woodwork three times as the visitors dug deep for a point that keeps their survival hopes alive ahead of the final round of games on Sunday. Newcastle, managed by Eddie Howe, is in third place with 70 points and one game to play, four ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool, who also have one match remaining. Fourth-placed Manchester United has 69 points with two games left.
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle’s Remarkable Turnaround
After celebrating with his players on the St James’ Park pitch, Howe was asked about their targets back in August. The former Bournemouth manager replied that a top-four finish was not on their radar, and they were just hoping to consolidate and become a better team after last season’s battle against relegation. Howe commended the players for their mentality, attitude, and what they have given him and the club, stating that they believed and had to dream.
Newcastle’s transformation was remarkable, considering that they were without a win and stood 19th in the Premier League standings when the club was bought by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in October 2021. The club’s unpopular owner, Mike Ashley, had owned the club for 14 years. However, with the appointment of Howe and some astute transfer business, Newcastle is back with Europe’s big boys.
Leicester City’s Survival Hopes Rest on the Final Round of Games
Leicester City moved up a place above Leeds United on goal difference but remained 18th and must beat West Ham United on Sunday and hope that 17th-placed Everton fails to beat Bournemouth. Bizarrely, Leicester became dangerous in the five minutes of stoppage time after defending their penalty area for the entire match. But for a superb save by Nick Pope from Timothy Castagne, the team would have snatched a shock win. The final whistle was met with huge roars from the St James’ Park faithful, who could hardly believe the speed at which their club had been transformed.
Newcastle full-back Kieran Trippier, one of the first signings after the takeover, expressed his excitement and belief in every decision he made, taking a risk when he first arrived. The club has been through a tough moment, but now they are reaping the rewards.
In summary, Newcastle United secured a top-four finish in the Premier League after a scoreless draw against Leicester City, guaranteeing their Champions League spot after a 20-year absence. Eddie Howe’s Newcastle’s remarkable turnaround was commendable, considering the club’s poor form under the unpopular owner, Mike Ashley. Leicester City’s survival hopes rest on the final round of games, where they must win against West Ham United and hope for Everton’s failure to beat Bournemouth.
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