Newcastle United are currently top of the Premier League, and have now been tipped to win the entire thing by a former Toon player.
That is the view of Stuart Pearce, who has stuck his neck out and decided that he thinks the Magpies are going to win their first ever Premier League title this season.
Eddie Howe’s side lead the way after week one, beating Aston Villa 5-1 at St James’ Park. It was an emphatic victory, and one that led to the Toon Army signing ‘we’re Newcastle and we’re gunna win the league‘.
That was tongue-in-cheek, but now Pearce has explained why he actually thinks Newcastle can do it.
Stuart Pearce says Newcastle will ‘win the league this year’
Former Newcastle defender Pearce has spoke on TalkSPORT on Friday morning, and backed the Magpies to win the 2023/24 Premier League title.
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“To be honest with you, I think they will win the league this year,” he said.
“I’m going to stick my neck out. I think Newcastle, with the recruitment they’ve done and how things are at Newcastle. I’ve been up there a couple of times last year and the place is absolutely rocking.
“If they keep everyone fit and have a good run of it. I think this game Saturday evening could be a good indicator about whether they have credentials.”
Pearce added: “With Manchester City losing De Bruyne for a length of time, I think that will directly impact Haaland, so that will hurt them a lot. That’s probably why I’m looking at Newcastle.”
One step at a time for Newcastle and Eddie Howe
Wow. It has been one game and Newcastle are not only being tipped as title contenders, they are being backed to win the entire thing.
That would be absolutely remarkable, but it is far too early to tell. While we were outstanding against Aston Villa, it was not a performance of champions. It was one good team beating another good team.
Obviously, it is easy to get carried away, and some fans will do that. But it is staggering to hear a former player as experienced as Pearce saying that. He has really set himself up for a fall – or he could look like a genius come May 2024.
Just being in a title race would be a shock for Toon fans. No one is expecting that, never mind being in a title race and winning.
For Howe, all he will focus on is the next game – which just so happens to be against Premier League champions Manchester City.
It is going to be a great test for Newcastle, and there might be more than just Pearce backing the Magpies to win the lot if they come away from the Etihad with three points.