Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe (Image: John Walton)
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe (Image: John Walton)
A COUPLE of years back when Newcastle exceeded expectations to finish fourth in the Premier League in Eddie Howe's first season in charge, the head coach said his side had over-achieved.
So, would Howe feel the same about a second place finish this season?
"I'm reluctant to answer to that one," said Howe ahead of Newcastle's trip to Arsenal today, with the Magpies knowing victory at the Emirates would move them up to second in the table ahead of the final day visit of Everton.
"I'll answer it if we are able to do what you say, but we're still in the situation where anything could happen and our league position is still very vulnerable if we don't get the results that we need, so it's very difficult in running to give you a firm answer to that questions.
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Only twice in Premier League history have Newcastle managed to finish second, and to only be bettered by Liverpool this season would be quite the achievement considering United haven't made a significant signing for three transfer windows.
With that in mind, would finishing second in the Premier League be a bigger achievement than March's Carabao Cup success?
“Difficult one to answer and it’s difficult to compare as well," said Howe.
“Winning silverware, when I first arrived at the football club, was a dream and an ambition at that stage.
“It felt like a long way away. So to actually win silverware and the reaction that generated will never, never leave me. So I don't think you can compare the two things.”
Priority number one for Newcastle in the next week is securing Champions League football.
One win from their remaining two games would be enough for the Magpies to return to Europe's premier competition.
Last season was challenging for United, but Howe thinks his side have made big forward strides in the last 12 months.
He said: “We knew players individually were better than they were showing. There were highlights, but it was inconsistent, you never quite knew what we were going to deliver.
“The second half of the season has been very, very good in that respect, motivation levels, work-rate, the collective desire to achieve have been there. Now, we haven't always played well, but I think we've seen a real solidity in the team and the run that we've been on, the amount of games that we've had to win to propel ourselves into this position can only come from consistency and then through good attitudes and really collective good spirit amongst the players.
“I think that's been our real development and hopefully that can continue with the two games we have left."
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