Eddie Howe declares Newcastle United’s Premier League rise unfinished — with Arsenal and Man City still in his sights

NEWCASTLE: Eddie Howe believes it is his task to ensure Newcastle United catch every team in the Premier League, not just weekend opponents Arsenal.

The Magpies’ faithful are dreaming of the Champions League — they have done for 20 years — and Howe is just seven points away from guaranteeing the club’s return to Europe’s premier competition. It could, of course, be less, depending on results elsewhere.

Despite the Gunners’ remarkable season, they sit just one place and 13 points ahead of Newcastle, having played a game more.

Newcastle are just 14 points off the Premier League summit and Manchester City. Time will run out for United, who have just five games left this campaign, but there’s always next season.

The ease with which Howe has turned the Magpies from potential relegation fodder to top-of-the-table challengers in less than 18 months is nothing short of miraculous. He understands, though, it is his job to do that, such is expectation at the football club since the majority buyout by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia.

“The aim is to try and catch and overtake everybody. It is easier said than done, though,” Howe said.

“We have to have that mindset — wherever and whatever we achieve we are not happy and content with that and we want more. It is the only way for the players to think, otherwise as soon as you reach what you feel your summit is, the only way is down.”

That mindset, and some clever coaching and transfer dealings, has accelerated what felt like a three-year plan to get back into the Champions League. Howe admits the team’s rise has even taken him by surprise.

When asked whether he even considered Champions League football before his side had kicked a ball this season, the head coach