It’s incredible to think how far Newcastle United have come in such a short space of time.
The fact that a dramatic 2-2 draw at Leeds could be seen as a major disappointment in the race for the Champions League says so much about the newfound level of ambition at the club.
Newcastle still have their destiny in their own hands. Five points from their final three games should be enough to hold off Liverpool in the race for the top four provided there isn’t a major swing in the goal difference.
That, given the low base at which Eddie Howe picked up the team, is amazing.
Eddie Howe calls for perspective
Naturally, not getting three points at Elland Road is disappointing.
Still, its important not to get too carried away. The work Howe has done in getting the team into their position cannot be understated and should put a huge amount of faith in the side heading into the final three games of the campaign.
Indeed, perspective was something Howe called for in the wake of the draw.
“It’s still in our hands, we have three huge games to come,” he said (via Newcastle World).
“Sometimes you have to take yourself back to the start of the season and what we would have thought to be in this position now.
“Everyone at the club would have taken that. It’s in our hands and we have to be very positive about what’s ahead.”
St James’ Park will play a key role
Next up, Newcastle meet Brighton and Leicester at home before finishing the season with a trip to Chelsea.
Now, home form has been the platform with which the Magpies have soared up the Premier League under Howe. While the Seagulls are a dangerous opponent and the Foxes will be fighting for their lives, playing under the floodlights at St James’ Park favours Newcastle.
Let’s keep our heads.
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