Two wins before the international break put Newcastle United back on the trail of the top four.
Now, Eddie Howe’s side have destiny in their own hands. Newcastle have two games in hand on fourth-placed Tottenham ahead of the run-in and Spurs even have to come to St James’ Park next month.
So then, developments at Spurs will be watched with keen eyes by everyone connected with the Toon Army.
The club confirmed Antonio Conte’s exit over the weekend and have installed the Italian’s assistant, Cristian Stellini, as their stand-in manager for the final ten games of the season.
In the view of one pundit, that is good news for Newcastle.
Jamie Redknapp thinks Newcastle will be loving Conte’s Spurs exit
Indeed, writing for Sky Sports, former Spurs midfielder Jamie Redknapp gave his view on their managerial matters.
Redknapp is of the belief that Conte’s departure has strengthened Newcastle’s challenge to make it back into the Champions League.
“If Conte hadn’t had this problem then Spurs probably would remain in the top four, yes. But Newcastle, Liverpool and everyone that’s in the top-four race will, I’m sure, be loving this news.
“It’s given the players a certain excuse if they don’t make the top four but they owe it to the fans, they owe it to themselves and they all want to play in the Champions League.
“It’s a 50-50 call. I think this is really good news for the clubs around them.”
Stellini has impressed for Spurs
While the idea of not having to go up against a manager as successful as Conte during an intense run-in is somewhat promising, Stellini has impressed in the dugout.
The Italian oversaw wins against the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Marseille while Cone was recovering from surgery. Though, clearly, that is a small sample size and Stellini did lose against Wolves, it’s not as if Spurs now have a complete novice in charge.
The top four race is still as intense as ever.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
