Newcastle United sent relegation battle reminder amid need for 'one big final push'

Newcastle United's last-gasp defeat at Everton was a reminder the Magpies remain in a relegation battle despite an impressive start to 2022. That is the view of loanee Matt Targett, who is confident Eddie Howe's side will regroup for 'one final push' in their final nine fixtures.

Newcastle had been undefeated in the Premier League in the calendar year before their nine-game unbeaten run was ended by successive late defeats away at Chelsea and Everton. Kai Havertz scored in the 89th minute at Stamford Bridge after two controversial VAR calls went against the visitors, while Alex Iwobi earned the Toffees a priceless three points in the relegation battle with a 99th-minute winner.

Howe knew the run of three away matches in eight days would provide a 'tough examination' of his side, and the Magpies remain nine points clear of the relegation zone. However, Targett accepts the team need to 'raise our levels again' in the coming weeks to ensure they preserve their top-flight status.

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He told NUFC TV: "For sure, it is the Premier League. There are no easy games, every game is tough like tonight showed.

"They are fighting for their lives. It is tough, we need to get back to what we know, raise our levels again and I'm sure we'll have one big final push after the international break."

Newcastle are currently in the midst of a warm-weather training camp in Dubai, and will return to the club's Benton base for the week prior to their next fixture at Tottenham on April 3. The international break means the Magpies must stew on their Goodison Park defeat for 18 days, and Targett admits the players would prefer the opportunity