Saturday night’s performance indicated that Newcastle United was far from their best, and their aspirations of securing consecutive seasons in the Champions League seem to be slipping away. Just a week ago, the former Newcastle manager, Alan Pardew, had expressed optimism about the team’s chances of being in the top four race. However, during a recent conversation on talkSPORT, Pardew now believes that Newcastle is definitively out of contention for a top-four finish.
Pardew thinks Newcastle are too far off CL places
Newcastle United entered the current season with high hopes and optimism, especially after securing a spot in the Champions League for the first time in twenty years. The club also made significant signings during the summer to strengthen their squad.
However, their optimism was quickly dampened when their star player, Sandro Tonali, received a 10-month ban for gambling. Additionally, the team suffered an early exit from the European tournament during the group stage.
Despite initial hopes of bouncing back and reentering the competition, the team has been lacking fighting spirit in recent times. Even with the return of injured players and a calmer fixture list, Newcastle has struggled to show the necessary determination.
In their match against Arsenal, despite missing key players, Newcastle seemed reminiscent of the team that faced relegation threats just two years ago. Many of the players appeared lost and off their game.
When asked about Newcastle’s chances of making a comeback, Alan Pardew, the former manager, responded with a definitive “No.” He admitted that his heart had influenced his previous comments, but now his rational thinking had taken over.
Newcastle heading towards a mid-table finish
While it might not have been an expectation for Newcastle United to maintain their top-four status for two consecutive years, there likely was hope within the club that they could secure a spot in the Europa League or the Conference League. Reestablishing themselves in European competitions would have been a significant achievement for Newcastle.
However, their current form suggests that they are on track to finish in a mid-table position. They were recently overtaken by Wolves and now face the risk of dropping further down the table, below teams like West Ham and Chelsea.
The pressure is mounting on Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, as he faces two crucial upcoming matches in the Premier League and the FA Cup. The outcome of these matches could have a defining impact on Newcastle’s season.
