Newcastle United News: Eddie Howe wants Newcastle to keep focusing on themselves
Eddie Howe, said before Sunday’s Premier League home game against Arsenal that his team must concentrate on themselves as they attempt to negotiate a challenging stretch and secure a return to the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.
With 65 points, Newcastle is third in the rankings, two points ahead of fourth-placed Manchester United, and six points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool, who have played one more game. The remaining fixtures for the Magpies, who are seeking to finish in the top four, include games against Chelsea, second-placed Arsenal, in-form Brighton & Hove Albion, relegation-threatened Leeds United, and Leicester City.
“All season we haven’t focused on where we are, who’s around us, the form of teams – we’ve just focused on ourselves and that’s all we can do,” Howe told reporters ahead the Arsenal match.
“We have a tough run of fixtures but I think at the same time a great run of fixtures because every game is important. They’re great occasions and we look to carry on our good form.”
“We’re competing against elite teams who will fight to the end and we have to do the same. In our five games we need to give our best preparation and focus because the fight we’re in could go right to the end of the season.”
A heated 0-0 tie between Newcastle and Arsenal in January resulted in the Londoners receiving a punishment of 40,000 pounds ($50,428) for failing to control their players, while Mikel Arteta, came under fire for an argument with Howe. Howe declared that the confrontation was over and expressed his admiration for Arteta’s “incredible job” at Arsenal.
“Within a game you will always have moments where you come up against opponents and there is a bit of confrontation. That is natural and part of the job. No issues from my side,” Howe said.
“Whatever happens it will be a great spectacle between two really good teams.”
Howe added that winger Allan Saint-Maximin may be available after a hamstring injury, adding: “Allan has trained. He trained yesterday and it was great to see him back on the grass.
“He trained very well too so I’m really pleased with that.
“Sean (Longstaff) is OK. He’s improved but he hasn’t trained yet. We’re hoping either today or tomorrow he will but we’ll wait and see,” he said of the midfielder.
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