Newcastle United beat Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates in January
Newcastle United beat Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates in January
Dare we Geordies dream of Newcastle United's best Premier League finish in 28 years? Dare we? When the Entertainers were in full blossom United ended back to back seasons (1995-96 and 1996-97) runners-up to Fergie's Man U.
Now modern day Newcastle are preparing to go to London looking for capital gain which could surprisingly see history repeat itself. The Magpies are currently two points behind second placed Arsenal which means if they beat them they will go into the final day back at St James' Park breathing rarified air.
Second, let us remember, would not only be our best placing in just short of three decades but see United equal their highest finish in almost a century, since they last won the title in 1927 when Hughie Gallacher was both skipper and top scorer. Stats say that the Mags can do it too. They have played the Gunners three times this season and beaten them three times denying them a place in the Carabao Cup final by winning home and away.
Arsenal are on a slide in the league - they have won only three of their last 11 games - whereas United just keep rolling along. However let us not get too carried away. Sunday will be no stroll in Hyde Park. Far, far from it. Revenge will be on the menu, their traditional runners-up position to the champions the minimum requirement after the bitter disappointment of Champions League failure at the semi-final stage.
It is amazing really that Arsenal are on 68 points and Newcastle 66 when the Gooners have lost only four times to United's 10. Their problem is that they have drawn far too many - 14.
Should the Mags end up third it will be their best return for 22 years since Bobby Robson hit the bronze medal position in 2002-03. Sir had achieved fourth the previous year, just as Eddie Howe did the season before last. Wherever United finally find themselves from second to fifth the fact is that winning the Carabao Cup AND qualifying for the Champions League as I am certain they will represents an outstanding achievement.
United have recently been decimated by injuries to Joelinton, Kieran Trippier, Joe Willock and Lewis Hall. The cupboard, or at least the bench, is thin on quality - two keepers, a kid who has never played first-team football, and an aged central defender who has been injured for a year occupied it against Chelsea. Oh for the summer and the options the transfer market will bring.
However Arsenal have their own problems. Declan Rice is very doubtful for Newcastle's visit while Mikel Merino won't face his former club after being red-carded at Liverpool where Leandro Trossard limped off with what appeared to be a hamstring issue. Jurrien Timber is another on the dodgy list along with Jorginho. Kai Havertz has been out for three months.
It has all left Mikel Arteta looking as though he's losing the plot. Jamie Carragher fingered the Gunners boss for his reaction at Anfield where he was openly critical despite Arsenal fighting back from being two goals down to draw 2-2.
May I say after the blood, sweat and fears of an exhausting season-long battle against all odds to try and make the Champions League I find it insulting that either Manchester United or Spurs will be joining us next term. Whichever one wins the Europa League will be given a seat at the top table and that's embarrassing.
The two so-called giants have endured a shocking time - Man U are 16th and Tottenham 17th, literally perched just above the relegation three. The Red Devils have lost 17 of their 36 matches and Spurs 20 yet they are in line to gain the biggest continental prize ahead of whoever loses out from Aston Villa, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest. They will benefit from all the riches that the Champions League bestows as a reward for sustained domestic failure. Call that justice . . . either manager couldn't complain if he got the sack!