Eddie Howe downplays Newcastle United’s “outrageous” top four push. football news

Eddie Howe insisted it was “scandalous” to label Newcastle a contender for a Premier League top four spot despite a 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday. Howe’s team rose to fourth after Callum Wilson’s brace and goals from Joelinton and Miguel Almiron demolished a poor Villa team in St James’s Park. The Saudi-backed Newcastle-owned group is aiming to win major trophies after buying the club from Mike Ashley and their initial return on investment is promising.

The Magpies have only lost one of 12 league games this season, thanks to Howe’s shrewd management and financial support from the club’s owners.

But when asked if Newcastle should now be considered one of the top four contenders, Howe poured cold water on the growing anticipation at Tyneside.

“It’s a scandalous question,” Howe said. We are just happy where we are. We try to win every game. I’ll let you write the title.

Seeing him score past England boss Gareth Southgate, Howe was delighted to have World Cup dreams of champion Wilson.

Wilson’s nervous penalty from injury time in the first half gave Newcastle the lead and his 56th-minute header extended the lead.

The striker hopes to join the England squad for the World Cup from 20 November in Qatar.

Howe said: “I don’t know much about what the players know and I don’t know who is coming and who is watching them. I think it’s better, you play your normal game and don’t think too much. As for the presence of Southgate in the stands.

Callum obviously is in desperate need to join England, it was one of his childhood dreams so he will be really happy he played so well.

He scored two goals and his overall performance was excellent.

Howe was not entirely satisfied with the day’s performance as his team worked hard in the first half to claim their fifth win in six games.

“The first goal is very important in every match. Today we did it, probably our best first half move to be honest, and the second half was completely different, “she said. He said.

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“This is the kind of football and style that we want to see here consistently. I took a step back and enjoyed the second half. I thought we were really good.

(This story was not edited by NDTV staff and is automatically generated from a syndicated feed.)