Newcastle up to third in Premier League after 4-1 rout at Southampton

SOUTHAMPTON: Eddie Howe admits he is refusing to look at the Premier League table but takes Pep Guardiola’s “title race” comments as a compliment. The Magpies romped to yet another away-day victory on the south coast of England as they hammered relegation-threatened Southampton 4-1. Goals from Miguel Almiron, Chris Wood, Joe Willock and Bruno Guimaraes ensured United made it six wins out of seven in the top flight, and ended the weekend in the top three of the Premier League.

Romain Perraud netted a consolation for Saints. Despite that, Howe has revealed he is not looking at the standings after 14 games, even though many others, including the established elites, are definitely taking note. “Don’t get me wrong, I’ll probably see it but I don’t tend to analyze it and focus on it too much.

It’s not really important at this stage of the season,” he said. “What’s important for me is that we turn up against Crystal Palace and try to win the game.” When asked about Manchester City boss Guardiola’s comments explicitly, Howe said: “I didn’t see those comments. Pep is someone I respect immensely.

I’m not sure whether it’s an honest reflection that he’s given or whether he’s just trying to put more pressure on us. It’s difficult without the context of the interview he’s given but he’s someone I respect, so thank you Pep. “We’re trying to savor what we’re doing at the moment and enjoy the process of going into the next game in a healthy position, but as we know in football, there are no guarantees.

As I said right at the start (of the press conference), things can change very quickly. So let’s enjoy what we’re doing and focus on trying to achieve more in the future.” Howe made just the one enforced change to his United XI. With