Eddie Howe boss laughs off ‘outrageous’ Champions League talk as Newcastle crush Villa

NEWCASTLE: Eddie Howe believes it is “outrageous” to talk about Newcastle United as Champions League contenders, that despite another rampant win on Tyneside. The swaggering Magpies eased to a 4-0 win over Aston Villa at St. James’ Park, a victory that kept Howe’s side in the Premier League top four.

And while United have already played more than a third of their games this campaign, and suffered just one defeat, Howe still refuses to acknowledge anyone talking about Newcastle breaking the top flight top four. “That’s an outrageous question. We’re just happy where we are,” said the head coach when asked whether he considers his side as possible Champions League qualifiers come May.

“We’re trying to win every game. I’ll let you write the headlines. For me, it’s about keeping the players very level and very driven to win the next game.” One player doing everything to make sure United stay up there at the moment is Miguel Almiron.

The Paraguayan netted his seventh goal of the season, his best season tally for United after just 13 games, which was his sixth goal in his last six games in the Premier League. Callum Wilson got another two and Joelinton also bagged his first of the campaign. Howe admits he’s running out of superlatives to describe the performances and the finishing of Almiron.

“I’m running out of words to describe his goals,” said Howe. “I don’t know which one is the better one, the last three have just been so good. Today, he used the defender’s body really well.