Newcastle United are now just a win away from qualifying for the Champions League.
Thursday night’s thumping win over Brighton has Eddie Howe’s side on the verge of making it back onto Europe’s top table for the first time in 20 years.
A remarkable first season under PIF ownership, this is dreamland territory for Newcastle.
While they are not quite over the line just yet, the plaudits are now starting to roll in.
Indeed, Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi was full of praise for Howe’s team after watching his team well beaten at St James’ Park.
Roberto De Zerbi sends classy message to Newcastle
Speaking after the game, the Italian talked of how much Newcastle deserve Champions League football next season.
“Newcastle deserve to qualify for the Champions League,” he said.
“They won against Manchester United 2-0. I watched the game and they deserved to win. In the first-half against Arsenal they were unlucky because they deserved to score the first goal.
“They are a very strong team.”
A touch of class from De Zerbi
Certainly a man making an impact in the Premier League, it’s pleasing to hear a manager talk so positively about Newcastle.
Though outside noise will matter little to Howe and his team, the likes of Jurgen Klopp and Erik ten Hag have previously been rather dismissive.
While Newcastle might not be everybody’s cup of tea, they have earned this lofty position. They have proven capable of matching even the best teams in the Premier League and look set to do so against the biggest names in European football too.
It’s about time they were praised!
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