Newcastle are striving to close the gap on Man City and Arsenal – Eddie Howe

Eddie Howe has admitted Newcastle cannot compare themselves to Premier League rivals Manchester City and Arsenal as they attempt to climb to the top of the table.

Despite the Magpies failing to find their best form and with relations behind the scenes still somewhat frosty after a bruising summer transfer window, they could reach the summit on Saturday courtesy of victory at Fulham, with the current top two meeting the following day.

But asked how far away his team is from City and the Gunners, head coach Howe said: “I don’t see how we can compare ourselves to them currently.

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