Eddie Howe urges Newcastle United unity with Champions League destiny ‘in their own hands’

NEWCASTLE: Eddie Howe has urged Newcastle to remain united as they hit the Premier League home straight with Champions League football on the line.

The Magpies’ chances to stretch clear of Liverpool, who are breathing down their necks in fifth place, were dashed at St. James’ Park when Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal cruised to a 2-0 victory.

And while heads are dropping around Tyneside, head coach Howe knows that success is only possible with the fans, club and players aligned.

“When you look at the four games we have, we will need the crowd and to stay united,” said Howe.

“Incredible support we have had all season. The noise was there today. We just needed to score and it would have helped us take off.

“It was about missed chances. The moments were there for us. We had a lot in the game. They didn’t go in and we are hugely frustrated with that part of our game. We probably didn’t defend as well as we have for the majority of the season, either. We were good without being at our very best.

“We needed to control our emotions a bit better than we did in the first half. The penalty decision is a big one and probably rocked us more than it did them. It was about keeping the ball better as Arsenal are a big transition threat. But we have four games to go and our destiny is in our own hands. We need to focus on that.”

Meanwhile, Howe is facing up to the prospect of losing midfielder Sean Longstaff potentially until the end of the season.

The player is set to go for a scan on Tuesday to determine the extent of his foot injury.

“I don’t know anymore as I sit here now. I certainly hope we will see him [this season]. On specialist’s advice, he’s going to see a specialist on Tuesday to get double checked,” he said.

“I won’t go